Here's some more info about Deval Patrick's "plan": http://www.pioneervalleyconnect.org/newslinks.html -----Original Message----- From: hidden-discuss-bounces at lists.hidden-tech.net [mailto:hidden-discuss-bounces at lists.hidden-tech.net] On Behalf Of A - Z International Sent: Monday, August 13, 2007 3:30 PM To: hidden-discuss at lists.hidden-tech.net Subject: [Hidden-tech] Getting Internet access in the "boonies" Hi all, This came to me today from a friend who lives in central Massachusetts and rigged up this broadband system. Thought it might help others: I had to pay $250 for the dish and $150 for an additional pole because it was too heavy for my roof. I believe the value package is about $50 a month. I can cancel out my second phone line and will move to a cheaper PeopelPC package. I need a dial-up back-up in case of bad weather or some shut-down in the satellite. I think it will come out fairly even. I am going with Wild Blue. Hughes Net is also big but they offered the same rate for the dish but I had to apply for rebates. I didn't have to do that with Wild Blue. I have been in contact with my senator and reps. regarding high-speed access in these rural areas and Deval Patrick apparently has some plan going to bring 'net access to everyone in the state. best, Amy Zuckerman Hidden-Tech Founder