Sep 2 2010
Open Range Communications has installed three transmitters and launched a wireless broadband service in Olivehurst, Linda, and Marysville. Also, a group of eight telecommunication companies has announced a $66 million optical fiber project to speed up Internet services for libraries and schools in Sutter and Yuba counties. Both the plans will help in increasing usage of high-speed Internet services in the Mid-Valley.
Open Range’s sales manager for Marysville, Michael Spence stated that the company’s transmission towers were ready for service by August 13, 2010. The company will provide online access via WIMAX, which is a 4G cellular system unveiled by Sprint Nextel, for sophisticated mobile phones. The customers of Open Range will utilize receivers that act as Wi-Fi routers for expanding the signal through an office or home. The receivers also allow telephone calls to be made through the Internet.
The Mid-Valley project is supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s loan program. The Department of Agriculture supports the development of high-speed Internet services in rural regions. The Central Valley Independent Network (CVIN), a consortium of telecommunication companies, will establish 720 miles of new optical fiber line. The consortium announced that it has received a funding of $46 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
The fiber-optic network of Mid-Valley will expand from Colusa to Nevada City through Marysville and Yuba City. County public libraries and education offices will benefit from the fiber optic lines. The CVIN network is expected to be completed by spring 2013.