Chairmans Statement May 2008

Recently, there has been a review of the Rural-WEB wireless network.  There are three reasons for this.

• Firstly, we have now been operating on an agreed ‘limited growth’ strategy since mid- 2006. Whilst we continue to attract new members who are in ‘easy to connect’ locations we need to review our forward plans – Should we become more active in seeking members?
• Secondly, we have steadily improved the network: upgraded the internet feeds to 8Mbit ones, and made the network more robust by reducing the number of outages.  However some of the original equipment is showing signs of age and we may soon need to be replacing it. This takes money and time and any investment (even replacement of equipment) should best be done with a plan in mind. We have identified relatively low cost equipment which should work but we no longer have an active pool of volunteers to install and run the network.
• Finally, we can see the way the broadband world is going (e.g. generalised downloading of TV programmes etc.) and we worry that we will at some time be unable to provide a competitive service. Even now we struggle to set a price which covers our yearly outgoings and yet compares favourably to the many ‘bundles’ and ‘offers’ available to us all.

With all of this in mind we propose to let Rural-WEB cease operating from Sept 30th. 2008. There will be a special meeting of paid-up members on where this proposal will be formally voted on.  We can also have more detailed discussions about use of remaining funds and assets and alternative broadband suppliers. In general the spirit of our proposal will be to use any truly surplus funds towards local community based charities – that being most consistent with the aims of the original volunteers. In any case the amount of any surplus would not be known until Dec 2008 by which time decommissioning should be complete.

The Future and Alternative Supplies

• We have discussed allowing Rural–Web to stay operational and be passed on to a semi-commercial operation rooted in the community. The current Operations Manager being one nominee supported by all. However he feels that his own resources are too thin to take this on without other active support. So if any of you want to be involved please make yourselves known to us soon.
• There are some householders who act as ‘gateway hosts’ serving a pool of members wirelessly. They might be persuaded to come to some arrangement with you to continue doing so but not organised by Rural-Web. We will make arrangements for interested parties to communicate with each other if you signal your interest at or before the special meeting.

If you will be attending the meeting, let me know as soon as possible using my Rural-WEB e-mail address which is mike dot case at rural-web dot org  Alternatively, you can call me on 890027, but be prepared to leave a message.

Regards

Mike Case

Chairman - Rural-WEB

The proposal was carried and more information will be made available as soon as possible. Note that it is not intended to withdraw service to any member before 30 September 2008 and that club activists are happy to help members decide how to obtain an alternative service.