Role of Satellite-Based Internet Connectivity for Rural Community Wireless Networks Alan Escovitz, Ph.D. Director of External Affairs Office of the CIO The Ohio State University and Bob Dixon, Ph.D. Director of Emerging Technologies The Ohio State University/OSC Rural Telecommunications Conference October 17, 2007

Connecting Rural Ohio Partners and Sponsors The Ohio State University Office of the CIO Ohio Supercomputer Center American Distance Education Consortium Partners Village of Vinton Ohio State University Extension Ohio Learning Network Governor’s Office Of Appalachia Gallia County Department of Jobs and Family Services University of Rio Grande MindLeaders Vinton Elementary School Gallia and Vinton County Educational Service Center Microsoft

U.S. vs. Others: Broadband Penetration Source: Free Press, Consumers Union, Consumers Federation of America August 2006 U.S. dropped from 4 th to 12 th place broadband penetration among the 30 member nations of the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) between other members (30)of the OECD saw higher overall net growth in broadband adoption between U.S. has 4 th highest level of students who never used a computer among OECD nations –exceeded only by Turkey, Mexico and Slovakia Population density is not the most significant determinant in broadband penetration -- most important factors explaining digital divide are income and poverty

OECD broadband penetration (per 100 inhabitants) net increase Q Q2 2006, by country

Appalachian Ohio

Appalachian Ohio Region Appalachian Ohio occupies 14,299 square miles 1 in 5 Appalachian children (77,000) live in poverty 1/3 of Ohio's 100 lowest performing school districts The college-going rate for Appalachian Ohio is 30 percent, compared to 41 percent for the rest of Ohio and 62 percent for the U.S. Nearly one-fifth of Ohio's population is poor in Ohio's southern and southeastern Appalachian counties. Approximately 1.4 million reside in Ohio's 29 county Appalachian Region

% Rural Broadband Internet Use Pew Internet & Am. Life Project Feb. 2006

Objectives of Connecting Rural Ohio Initiative Close the rural divide that previously existed in communities through this “rural datafication” program Create community learning centers for online credit and non-credit higher education courses, training and workforce development Provide the network infrastructure to support community e-commerce initiatives Stabilize local rural economies and reduce drain of human capital Improve quality of life and increase standard of living

“Claimed Broadband/DSL Coverage” Vinton

Satellite Communications Basics

Synchronous Satellites

Internet Connectivity to Anywhere AMC4 Satellite All Locations Ground Station Tachyon Central Ground Station--San Diego, CA 50,000 miles Internet

Town water tower, satellite dish and wireless antenna

Adjustable Tri-Sector Omni Antenna at Water Tower

2.4 Ghz Radio Access Points

Tachyon 1.2M Satellite Dish Antenna

Village of Vinton Network Overview

Network Overview g (WiFi) 3 Sector antennas (3X120º)/3 radios Capacity for 180 simultaneous connections Allows users to connect to each other Network addresses assigned automatically

Wireless Coverage Field Survey

Vinton Wireless Network Coverage Water tank Town Hall

Vinton Wireless Repeater Test

Vinton Village Town Hall Community Learning Center

Yagi directional antenna

Outdoor Home Antenna Outdoor 400mW bg Access Point / Bridge / WDS Radio with Integrated 16dBi Panel Antenna

All weather outdoor 2400MHz b/g bridge b/g radio, industrial grade construction, multiple antenna options, surge protection on the radio and PoE

Thinning ranks of Ohio college graduates Ohio population age 25 and older 7.5 M 7.3 M 6.2 M (86.1%) High school graduates College graduates 6.6 M (88.1%) 1.7 M (23%) 1.8 M (26%) Source: Census Bureau: Educational Attainment in the US 2006 report

Educational Partnership with the University of Rio Grande Wireless Community Training Course Introduction to PCs and Technical and Network Support

Educational Partnership with MindLeaders Microsoft Office Workforce Development Business Skills Estate and Retirement Planning

Educational Partnership with the Ohio Learning Network E 4 ME --an online orientation course that helps individuals: Link interests to education choices, career paths, and jobs Find online courses and degrees that meet personal and career goals Learn how to be successful in e- learning courses

2005 Carnegie-Mellon/MIT Study: Measuring Broadband’s Economic Impact Increases in employment growth of 1% annually over communities that have not invested in broadband Property values increase, with rental rates were 6% higher. 1/2% higher annual growth rate in businesses 1/2% higher annual growth rate in IT business sector

Outcomes and Impact Model for Land-Grant university outreach Cost-effective bridge Addresses “last-mile” barriers and connectivity Framework for a community technology plan Stimulus to private sector investment and community development Creates a business case for the private cable/DSL Internet providers