Information Technology and Telecommunications

Information Technology and Telecommunications

Business Champion: Neil Robertson

Latest news:

The Western Australian Government announced in November 2006 an initiative that will provide high speed broadband to homes, businesses, schools and Government. You can read more about the State-wide Broadband Network Strategy at:

http://www.doir.wa.gov.au/businessandindustry/59DF29E968D844B48E2259F0B7FE40F5.asp

The IT&T survey closed at the end of July with 33 responses received from intending SomerVille residents. You can view the survey results (using your Ecocom login credentials) at:

http://www.somervilleecovillage.com.au/members/survey_results

Some links are now provided here regarding health and safety issues surrounding wireless networks:

Wireless LAN Association: http://www.wlana.org/learn/health.htm
Canadian University WiFi health concerns: http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20060222-6235.html

Scope of Information Technology and Telecommunications Enterprise at SomerVille :

The scope includes but is not necessarily limited to internet, fixed and mobile phone services, internal network, wireless communications, website and server provision, and associated management services.

Ownership of Enterprise and Assets:

The appropriate ownership structure is yet to be determined but it seems likely that the physical infrastructure will be owned by the community.

Funding and Finance Provision:

It is quite likely that this will be a capital intensive enterprise. Accordingly it is probable that the community will provide or acquire the majority of the required funding and finance for the implementation of this enterprise.

Legal and Corporate Structure:

This is yet to be determined but is likely to be a privately owned Pty Ltd company.

SomerVille Ecovillage™ IT&T Deliverables:

broadband service with sufficient bandwidth available for all residents and businesses
fixed telephone line service
mobile phone service
wireless and fixed line options available
reliable, efficient, affordable services
flexible pricing model
metering systems for phone, Internet and possibly other services such as power, water, gas
centralised bureau services such as fax machine, colour laser printer
public access to phone and internet for non-residents, visitors etc.
training in the use of provided services

SomerVille Ecovillage™ IT&T Potential Outcomes:

minimisation of economic leakage
provision of local employment
formal fault reporting system (e.g. by phone/email)
fast and efficient delivery of services
fast and efficient resolution of faults
service level agreement with provision for financial penalties for non-performance
value added services such as free calls within village, village intranet (bulletin board, announcements, news etc)
evolve the enterprise so that it can be offered as a model for other ecovillages

The SomerVille Vision:
"A vibrant village where community flourishes, in which every person is supported and contributes
in balance with a sustainable ecological ethic."