Clackamas County Regional Broadband Workshop

About the Workshop
When and Where
Who Should Attend?
Register On-line

Clackamas County Regional Broadband Workshop

 

About the Workshop:

What is Regional Broadband?

Broadband networks offer multiple services such as voice, video (one- or two-way), and high-speed data services, including Internet connections over a single connection. Telephone systems are beginning to offer Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) service, cable systems are offering high speed data services through "cable modems", and several wireless broadband technologies are being offered. Communities and area-wide units of government (particularly counties) have a vital interest in securing affordable access to these services throughout their service areas. Creation of regional broadband networks through interconnection of existing networks offers the opportunity for public agencies to provide services more efficiently to citizens, reducing the need for citizens to travel to government facilities by "bringing the services to the people" electronically.

Purpose of the Workshop

  • How can the need (or "demand") for regional broadband telecommunications and the benefits it might bring be assessed and evaluated by communities?
  • What, if anything, can communities do to secure affordable access to broadband networks for their citizens?
  • What can we learn from the experience of other Oregon communities?

The Program

Breakfast Speaker: Don Mazziotti, Chief Information Officer, State of Oregon, Enterprise Information Technology Strategy

Morning Panel: Determining needs, Surveying existing infrastructure assets, Identifying opportunities, Designing a project. (Moderator: Brian Nordlund, W&H Pacific)

Noon Speaker: David Olson, City of Portland, Portland v. AT&T

Afternoon Panel: Building public awareness and consensus, Working with service providers, Funding capital improvements and operations. (Moderator: Sumner Sharpe, Pacific Rim Resources)

Panelists and Speakers

  • Rob Barton, Touch America
  • Ken Beeson, Eugene Water and Electric Board (EWEB)
  • Ben Doty, Lincoln PUD
  • Terry Edvalson, Eastern Oregon University
  • Adam Haas, Reflex Communications
  • Nancy Jesuale, City of Portland
  • Pete Lovrovich, Ashland Fiber Network
  • Don Mazziotti, State of Oregon CIO
  • Larry McMullen, Springfield Utility Board
  • Keith Mobley, Oregon Career Network, (Columbia Gorge region)
  • David Olson, Mt. Hood Cable Regulatory Commission
  • Lee Rayburn, Central Oregon Telecommunications Consortium (COTel)
  • Sherry Sheng, Oregon Economic and Community Development
  • Peter Thurston, Lane County

(More info: Speaker and panelist profiles)

Fees

Pay $10 fee at the door (checks, please! payable to Clackamas County) to help cover the costs. Fees waived for program speakers and panelists. Cost includes continental breakfast, refreshments, and lunch. Seating is limited, so register today!

Problems? Questions?

When and where:

How to get to the workshop: [maps]

 

Why you should attend:

Can broadband telecommunications be used to:

  • Stimulate economic development?
  • Bring Communities closer together?
  • Deliver services like education, and worker training?
  • Reduce traffic congestion and air pollution?
  • Improve access to government?
  • What are Oregon communities doing to:

  • Evaluate and plan for future telecommunications needs and services?
  • Ensure that the benefits of overcoming distance with telecommunications are realized?
  • Make advanced telecommunications accessible and affordable in rural areas?
  • Work with existing telecommunications service providers?
  • Address inadequacies in telecommunications infrastructure?
  • Promote telecommuting and other uses of telecommunications?
  • These and other issues will be discussed by two expert panels with opportunity for audience Q & A.

     

     [Oregon Telcom Home] [Telecommunity Project Page] [Free Newsletter]