November 2021 Newsletter from OpenCape |
|
 |
OCTOBER NOR'EASTER SHOWS NETWORK IS RESILIENT, BUT STILL EXPERIENCED DAMAGE
Like everyone else in the region, OpenCape felt the impacts of the October 2021 Nor'easter! This photo, taken by OpenCape engineer Gary Farrenkopf, shows just some of the extensive storm damage on Bumps River Road in Centerville.
Much of our fiber network stayed up and running throughout the storm, but we did experience several outages and fiber cuts.
While our response was slowed due to prolonged high winds and the need to wait for power crews to finish their work safely, the knowledgeable and dedicated Outside Plant Team worked alongside our crews, as well as with AT&T, Eversource, and others who worked to restore power and services to residents and businesses in our region.
As part of our "after action" discussion, we continue to look for ways to make the network even more resilient.
|
|
|
|
OPENCAPE OFFERS INFRASTRUCTURE RECOMMENDATIONS
With $5.3 Billion in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds available within the Commonwealth and more infrastructure dollars likely at the Federal level, OpenCape is sharing perspective, guidance, and immediately achievable next steps regarding how to best invest these once-in-a-lifetime funds.
Our list includes promoting choice for residents and businesses, expanding access, ensuring affordability, and the need to focus on future-focused solutions. Read OpenCape's legislative recommendation, then take a speed test and join the conversation!
|
|
|
|
The Governor's proposed budget allocates $100M for Broadband investment or $14.22 per resident; the recent House proposed budget allocates $50M or $7.11 per resident. OpenCape is recommending a minimum of $56.90 per resident or $400 Million
|
|
OPENCAPE'S LEGISLATIVE OUTREACH CONTINUES AS LAWMAKERS SEEK PUBLIC COMMENT
OpenCape CEO Steve Johnston has briefed many leaders in the Senate and the House over the past few weeks as plans are crafted for infrastructure investment. Included on this list are Senate President Karen Spilka, State Senator Susan Moran, State Senator Julian Cyr, Senator Barry Finegold, and members of the Cape and Island's Delegation as well as, local and municipal leaders within our service footprint.
OpenCape also recently submitted written testimony to the Joint Committee on Ways & Means and the Joint Committee on Advanced Information Technology, The Internet and Cybersecurity outlining how $400 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds would allow community-focused fiber providers to make immediate and substantive investments in delivering robust future-focused connectivity in the Commonwealth. Read the full recommendati on HERE.
|
|
Johnston is pictured with Senator Susan Moran at a late September event at Cafe Chew in Sandwich |
|
|
|
OPENCAPE CONTINUES TO EXPAND! |
OpenCape recently hired a new full-time Fiber Engineer with Outside Plant experience to work alongside our world-class Fiber Engineering team. Rick Forman is a Computer Information Technology graduate of Tri-County Vocational Technical High School who has worked in the communications industry since 2008.
Rick's experience includes field surveying and identifying telephony and fiber optic facilities, OSP/ISP construction schematic creation, and quality review. Join us in welcoming Rick to the OpenCape team!
|
|
As more and more employers offer remote work options, Barnstable County was ranked fourth in a recent study of places where residents relocated during the pandemic. This trend makes reliable high-speed internet for home offices even more critical.
CBS Boston recently featured CapeBuilt's Sea Captain's Row project, distinctive new apartments in downtown Hyannis, which will be fully connected to the OpenCape 100% Fiber Network. Read more about the Sea Captain's Row project HERE.
|
|
CYBER CORNER: PASSWORDS
Creating strong passwords (and changing them often) is an excellent way to protect your data and your network. Always create passwords with at least eight digits that include both lower and upper case letters, numbers, and symbols to reduce your risk of a data breach.
|
|
OPENCAPE SUPPORTS VETERANS & VETERANS DAY!
With Veteran's Day quickly approaching it seemed to be the perfect opportunity to welcome a new customer to the OpenCape family. OpenCape has recently connected and is now delivering service to Joe Q Veteran Coffee Break, Inc. at their new location at 300 Dillingham in Falmouth.
Joe Q Veteran Coffee Break, Inc is an all-inclusive Veteran community that promotes fellowship where Veterans will be comfortable seeking support and informational services, and developing the services today’s Upper Cape Cod-area Veterans and their families need.
OpenCape's office will be closed on Thursday, November 11, 2021 for Veterans Day, as we take time to honor the brave and selfless Americans who have served in the United States Armed Forces, and to recognize the time, commitment, and sacrifices of all soldiers, sailors, Airmen, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, and Merchant Mariners in order to protect the ideals and freedoms that we enjoy. Customers in need of technical assistance can contact our Network Operations Center (NOC) at 1.888.744.5080 with service-related concerns.
|
|
OpenCape Corporation is a 501c3 nonprofit technology company headquartered in Barnstable, Massachusetts. OpenCape is a 2009 BTOP recipient and owns/operates a state-of-the-art 550+ mile fiber-optic network built to serve local governments, businesses, and residents of Southeastern Massachusetts, the Cape, Islands and part of Rhode Island. Our fiber network is on par with the most sophisticated and technically proficient fiber networks in the world. Learn more at opencape.org
|
|
|
|
If you have any questions about OpenCape initiatives, projects or services, please feel free to call us at our Barnstable-based office or send us an email. |
OpenCape
508-362-2224
info@opencape.org
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
