GOAL:
To improve broadband opportunities for all residents, businesses, and governments in the four county area of Coos, Douglas, Klamath, and Lane Counties.
STRATEGIES:
- The acquisition of a fiber backbone that is as extensive as possible throughout the four county area, and the use of this fiber backbone to facilitate telecommunications service providers developing broadband connectivity, especially in the small cities and rural areas of the RFC region.
- Promoting open access and the development of competitive broadband services wherever possible.
- Providing assistance to any entity working on improving broadband services in the four county area.
RFC IMPLEMENTATION:
- Leasing dark fiber to competitive local exchange carriers at below market rates to facilitate the extension of broadband services to areas of the RFC region.
- Applying for and facilitating other applications for grant funds to construct fiber optic laterals and install equipment to facilitate the development of broadband services in the four county area.
- Providing technical assistance and information to any entity seeking to improve broadband services.
The Consortium has facilitated connectivity and the development of broadband services in several parts of the region. Connections between Klamath Falls and northern California have been made possible by Consortium fiber. Connections between Eugene, Albany, Corvallis, Salem, and Portland have all occurred through the use of Consortium fiber. Connectivity between Cottage Grove, Creswell, Pleasant Hill, and Eugene; between Roseburg, Yoncalla, Drain, and Eugene; between Junction City and Eugene; and for the incumbent local provider in Drain and Yoncalla have all been improved through the use of the Consortium fiber.