About

Background

The genesis of SLPnet was support of the Dixie Fire – in particular the CalFire logistics in Susanville, where >250Mbps connectivity was challenging to procure in a reliable and consistent manner. This level of throughput (or speed) is the bare minimum for large coordinated logistics camps, where 1Gbps or greater is preferred.

SLPnet intends to utilize licensed microwave wireless radios to form a redundant “ring” between the 3 targeted counties. In each county, an ISP (internet service provider) connection will be incorporated into the ring – where failover can occur in automated fashion. The backbone is geared for >1.5Gbps of burstable throughput.

The goal of SLPnet is to allow rapid Internet connectivity response for future disaster response and recovery efforts. Often in these specific rural counties, communication becomes “islanded” or stranded – cut off from the outside world – similar to a rock slide blocking a highway. SLPnet intends to unite multiple Internet connections to improve redundancy and resiliency. During the Dixie Fire, linked amateur radio repeaters were the only reliable communication throughout the duration of the emergency. SLPnet is built on that same sense of civic community and mutual support as the existing amateur radio communities within the region.

Status

The project received initial grant funding from ARDC (Amature Radio Digital Communications) Foundation. Inaugural efforts began mid 2022 to build connectivity originating in Delleker (near Portola) and terminating in Indian Valley. The town of Greenville was heavily impacted by the Dixie Fire and almost two years later still has limited connectivity. PST (Plumas Sierra Telecom) has partnered for the first Internet uplink connection. SLPnet began providing connectivity into the Greenville health clinic (Indian Valley) and pop-up business district in the summer of ‘22. Additional connectivity sourced from Quincy into Tayorsville is planned for late ‘23.

Future Efforts

Before the end of the 2023 summer season, SLPnet intends to formulate a plan for connectivity into Seneca Hospital in Chester. SLPnet also plans to present the project to potential collaboration partners and/or funders – such as USFS, Plumas Bank, Collins Pine, etc. A path and equipment has already been designed for reaching connectivity in Reno, pending site access permission and funding.

Current Collaborators