We are building a network during autumn 2011 in the Pitkäkangas area in Oulunsalo between Karhuojantie road and Tuohikuja road and to Honkakuja road. During summer 2012 we will expand to the rest of Oulunsalo and in 2013 to other areas around Oulu.
Co-op was selected as the model to administer and build the network. Operations are based on voluntary work and this way we can achieve cost savings. Any help is appreciated even though there are already more than ten volunteers working on the project.
We do not aim to make a profit. Costs are covered with the 5 euro monthly fee. No staff will be hired and volunteers receive no reward for their efforts (except for the feeling of a job well done).
By building the network ourselves we can save thousands of euros.
Example: DNA offers an optical fiber connection to new residential areas for 1875 euros. The co-op offers a connection for as low as 1200 euros. You save 675 euros right there!
DNA asks 54,90 €/mo for 100/100 Mbps connection, the co-op offers 100/100 Mbps connection to its members for 25 €/mo. You save 29,90 €/mo and 1076,40€ in three years.
Background: DNA, the major operator in the area, has made it clear that it has no intention to build fiber optical networks in older residential areas. These residential areas – which make up most of Oulunsalo and large parts of areas in and around Oulu – are in the near future in danger of falling behind because copper-based network has a limited transfer capacity.
For now services work but within a few years things will be different. The speed of internet connections has increased ten-fold every five years. So far it has been possible to increase the lifespan of the copper-based network with new technologies but no new technologies are in the horizon that could increase transfer speeds easily and cost-effectively. Wireless solutions can’t keep up with the every increasing demands either. Optical fiber is the only known technology with capacity to last for decades.
If you are interested in this project, please use the contacts in the contacts page.
For a map of households interested in joining the network, please see our map. Red-coloured flags have already signed a definite contract.