Happy Holidays!
I want to start my December message by wishing the very best this holiday season, and hoping that your 2018 has been a good one. Here at OpenCape we’ve enjoyed real progress over the past twelve months and we are proud to be running a successful internet services business that continues to grow and service the communities we touch.
As the year winds down, OpenCape is getting a jump start on our resolutions for 2019. Our team has discussed all the things we’ve been working toward recently and have come up with ten realistic goals to accomplish in 2019 ~ and these are not pipe dreams either ~ these are things that, together with community, municipal and legislative support, we can actually accomplish over the next year.
1.
Continue to expand service to businesses - By ensuring that both established and start-up businesses are well served, we can assist in job creation and driving the region's economy.
2.
Improve public safety on Cape Cod, the Islands and Southeastern MA. We will continue to work with our partners in Public Safety, including Towns, the National Seashore and Joint Base Cape Cod to provide reliable communications during times of emergency.
3.
Use our redundant microwave network for disaster response planning. Our existing microwave network is on hardened facilities, like water towers, and can withstand 100+ mph winds and storms, allowing communications to continue during critical emergencies. We will further our collaboration with Barnstable County’s Regional Emergency Planning Committee to develop a comprehensive disaster communications plan.
4.
Install residential service pilot locations - Improved residential Internet service is the most requested service that people ask us about. We have heard you loud and clear. We will roll out pilot locations in 2019 to help us gauge demand, better understand the cost and assess how to best expand service in our footprint.
5.
Assist towns in revitalizing main streets - Already we have three Main Street projects on Cape Cod slated for network connection: Hyannis, Falmouth and Provincetown. Supporting these small businesses initiatives is part of our mission to build a stronger economic environment for everyone.
6.
Drive entrepreneurship and innovation. OpenCape stands ready to serve as a critical platform for economic growth. Communities can augment and expand their current hospitality-driven economies to develop new and innovative businesses.
7.
More collaboration with schools & universities - Currently we connect 90% of the high schools on Cape Cod, two universities, dozens of middle and elementary schools and several postgraduate research facilities. We want to do even more next year, by connecting more educational institutions and enhancing existing services to allow local learning to have global reach.
8.
Community outreach & education. We will increase our public presence throughout the region by offering more informative presentations at schools and community groups, attending additional Town and County meetings and strategy sessions and offering regular updates about how the public can support the expansion of our network to best serve their needs.
9.
Search high/low for funding sources. As I mentioned above, OpenCape is enjoying robust success, but it would take 30+ years for us to generate enough revenue to connect all of the Cape. Exploring how we can fund more rapid growth, in collaboration with towns, is key to accelerating that process.
10.
Offer a choice. Ultimately the most important aspect of our mission is to be the Internet alternative for everyone in our footprint who feels underserved and overcharged. We remain committed to offering better service and higher quality network connection at a more competitive price.
These are just ten of our goals for next year ~ there are dozens more, and they are all informed by what our customers desire in connectivity and service. We develop our services in response to the needs and wants of our clients, both commercial and municipal.
This is a good opportunity to remember that we are a non-profit organization, built through community partnerships and dedicated to being a vital community resource. Thank you for your support throughout the year. We aim to stay deserving of your loyalty in the years to come.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,
Steve
