OpenCape: OpenCape evolution

OpenCape evolution

The OpenCape initiative began as an effort by Cape Cod Community College (CCCC) to create more and cheaper bandwidth options for its facilities. The College has inadequate bandwidth to meet its present and future needs. Very few options for increasing bandwidth exist. Those that are available are too expensive or lack adequate throughput. The College and the Cape Cod Technology Council (CCTC) formed a partnership in 2006 to pursue common interests, to include improving communications infrastructure on the Cape. As the two organizations researched the issue of limited regional bandwidth options, additional interested parties were identified, such as the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth.

Analysis revealed a regional network is needed for both day-to-day operations and emergencies. In addition, it is clear both public service and commercial service are needed. A concept to address this need was developed and given the name OpenCape.

With a firm conceptual basis in hand, Cape Cod Community College and the Cape Cod Technology Council organized a summit of Cape and Island leaders to discuss and conduct preliminary planning for a shared and survivable communications network. The OpenCape Summit was held at CCCC on June 22, 2006.

The OpenCape Summit brought together over 100 leaders from the public and private sectors to create a common understanding of wireless and broadband technologies; to discuss the creation of a partnership organization to administer OpenCape; to develop an outline description of the core components, technologies, geographic placement, and capabilities of a survivable telecommunications network; and to identify responsibilities and timelines of action to further the OpenCape concept.

A Steering Committee was formed in August, 2006, approved a charter, and elected officers. The committee was formed to ensure OpenCape was directed and developed by a broad-based coalition of interested parties rather than a single organization initiative. The Steering Committee is a reasonably sized group of ten from across the geographic region that is representative of the primary user groups (i.e. education, economic development, research, and public safety). The Steering Committee provides direction and decision-making until the non-profit OpenCape Corporation can be formed in February 2007. When the OpenCape Corporation was formed the Steering Committee was dissolved and the OpenCape Corporation Board began providing direction and decision-making.

creating regional broadband opportunities

OpenCape evolution

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