A couple of tech savvy folks on Vashon are recommending against HamWan for emergency Internet access if Vashon’s sole fiber optic connection to the mainland gets severed. Apparently the problem is that the nodes wouldn’t survive an earthquake ‘reorienting’ the antennas. Can anyone confirm the validity of this?
Given that HamWan seems to have been created about 2005-2007, are there any more modern alternatives for robust internet to Vashon Island?
We’re currently leaning toward (the much pricier) Hughes or other satellite dish connection.
I know of the incoming/potential www.onenet.wa.gov for public service agencies – which should be available to us. We had considered a microwave hookup to the South King County data center near Tukwila or to a commercial provider such as www.accelnet.net/www.cortland.com. Some cell towers from the mainland reach parts of Vashon too, enabling a hot spot approach.
Any other ideas?
Thanks & happy holidays,
John Cornelison
KE7KDQ