[Hidden-tech] GAW internet

[Jill Connolly]

Dan, Frank, et al:

GAW sent out an update to its Ashfield, Conway and neighboring customers to be, just yesterday.

This includes information about being one of only 5 companies that has received FCC approval to use white space technology and how it is being deployed and tested:

Excerpted below, fyi:

Jill Connolly
617.921.JILL

My LinkedIn Profile:
http://www.linkedin.com/in/jillconnolly

HELPING YOUR ORGANIZATION FIND ITS VOICE!
The VOICE of powerful communications  in New Media, Tech, Education,
the Arts and Our Environment.  Hear all about it at: http://www.jillconnolly.com




July 6, 2011
 
To our Friends in Ashfield and the Neighboring Communities:
 
Thank you for all your feedback to our June 25 correspondence... Yesterday, white space wireless equipment was installed in the area of Spruce Corner Road to begin testing white space wireless technology signal strength. Today, the testing will begin and will be conducted over the coming weeks.
 
For those that may not know what "white space" means, it is the same wireless spectrum once used for UHF analog TV signals, or "over-the-air" signal. White space spectrum has recently been made available by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). GAW is one of five companies nationwide licensed to deliver communications using white space technology. The frequencies used in white space have better penetrability through biomass (trees) and as such, make it ideal for use in Western Massachusetts. 
 
The testing period is crucial as this will be among the first deployments of white space wireless technology nationwide and certainly is the first in New England, one of the nation's most challenging topographical areas. In addition to the residents and businesses in the town of Ashfield and the surrounding communities, there are many stakeholders interested in this deployment including the FCC, which sees the successful delivery of high-speed communications services to these communities as the possible model for other areas in need of broadband access.  
 
We know the technology works, but GAW does not build its networks based upon theoretical capabilities. Rather we test to ensure that the capabilities are within GAW corporate service standards. For example, if theory tells us we can shoot a signal 100 miles, GAW will limit the distance to 50 miles ensuring a high-quality communications experience for every subscriber. The testing period will tell us exactly what we can expect from this technology. We know this; it will be fast.   
 
Separately, we are proud to be helping to bridge the digital divide working with the State of Massachussets in delivering broadband services to your home or business. While the funds made available are quite helpful for use in network deployment and subsidizing customer equipment, we continue to work to deliver broadband access as soon as possible, independent of the funding.  
 
It's this time of year that we can appreciate the freedom of choice that comes with independence. We hope you enjoyed a long weekend with family and friends!
 
H. Josh Garza
Chief Executive Officer
GAW 



On Jul 7, 2011, at 9:34 AM, Daniel Fried wrote:

>   ** Be sure to fill out the survey/skills inventory in the member's area.
>   ** If you did, we all thank you.
> 
> 
> They have a kiosk at the Holyoke Mall with a system using their network set up.  I ran a bunch of speed testing sites and got consistent 10mbps connections (with 5+ mbps upload).  I live in Holyoke (and closer to their tower than the mall) so coverage shouldn't be a problem.
> 
> I'm just trying to figure out things like general reliability of their network and customer service.  I do work from home and finding out that they're a cheap outfit and don't have redundant network backbone connections through different providers(or other of the more technical questions they don't answer on their website) would worry me.
> 
> -Dan
> 
> On Thu, Jul 7, 2011 at 8:07 AM, fsaronson at gmail.com <fsaronson at gmail.com> wrote:
> I just heard about GAW yesterday and dropped them a line about where I might be able to test out their service for my clients.  Right now they're not available in the hill towns, but they are available in Noho.  I'll let you know what I find.
> 
> Frank Aronson
> 
> Sent from my HTC on the Now Network from Sprint!
> 
> ----- Reply message -----
> From: "Daniel Fried" <frieddan at gmail.com>
> Date: Wed, Jul 6, 2011 8:50 pm
> Subject: [Hidden-tech] GAW internet
> To: "Hidden-Tech" <Hidden-discuss at lists.hidden-tech.net>
> 
> does anyone have experience with GAW internet? (gaw.com if you're interested)  They have high-speed service int he valley delivered over a radio signal and they promise 10-20mpbs for a reasonable price.  I've been thinking of switching from Comcast.
> 
> Good/bad/indifferent?  I've spent a few minutes researching but haven't found much as they seem to be a regional player.  Thought I'd ask here before getting into more serious research.
> 
> Thanks
> 
> -Dan  
> 
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