Decorah Metronet demystified

Many people remain confused regarding what the Decorah Metronet project is all about.  Essentially this is a highly efficient and redundant broadband technology project that links five local organizations to high speed computer and internet linkages. The five "anchor" members include: Decorah Community Schools, City of Decorah, Winneshiek Medical Center, Luther College, and Winneshiek County.  Upper Explorerland has also been invited to join the anchor group.

Decorah Metronet has been primarily funded by the federal Broadband Technology Program ($520,000), part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Each anchor participant also provides some support. The Metronet is hoping to release bids by July, with anticipated completion of the project by the end of this year.

A recent YouTube video has been circulating locally to help people understand the project a bit more. It can be accessed at:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=X27_ohN-wvs
Although the video is about another community, it well explains the Metronet concept. The You Tube video shows private sector groups. Presently the Decorah Metronet is comprised of all non-profit groups. However, Kurt DeVore, Director of Instructional Technology at the Decorah Community Schools, says the funding "does not restrict us to non-profit use, and as we develop our business plan additional opportunities may become available."