OutlawNet keeps up with technology

Jon Renner, the force behind OutlawNet, remembers when there was no local Internet service in Sisters.

"The closest locals could get was a long distance telephone call to Eugene through AOL," said Renner.

As a Social Studies teacher, Renner believed Internet service was important, knew the school couldn't afford it and decided to do something about it.

The school-based OutlawNet was the result; the company has now been in business for seven years.

Renner is often asked how OutlawNet is faring, considering the school's financial situation.

"Many people think this business is supported by the school," said Renner, "and it's exactly the opposite. OutlawNet helps support the school. OutlawNet makes both direct contributions of money and materials to the school and indirect contributions through a wide range of services."

According to Renner, contributions just in terms of Internet services alone are approximately $45,000 per year. Direct contributions provide one or two $1,500 scholarships per year. Repair parts are furnished free or at reduced cost to the district.

OutlawNet also manages the school's computer recycling program, called STRUT (Students Recycling Used Technology). The STRUT program has built new computers for schools throughout Central Oregon.

Students repair and refurbish approximately 20 computers per month that are used either in the district or placed in their "loaner" program.

The loaner program is new to the school this year.

"Building administrators or counselors can identify students in need of a computer at home," Renner said.

"STRUT furnishes the computer on loan for as long as the student needs it. The only stipulation is that the loan agreement is renewed each year."

The company has long battled the misconception that OutlawNet is funded by the school.

"It's funded by local Internet subscribers, not the school," said Renner. "In that way our local community supports the school's programs."

Like all Internet service providers, OutlawNet must keep up with rapidly evolving technology.

"The equipment we use for our Internet service is state of the art," said Renner. "We aggressively manage the business to stay current. In an effort to do that we moved quickly from analog to digital dial-up services.

"We now offer advanced DSL through our partner, OTI (Oregon Trails Internet), and two way broad band Internet service.

"We're about to offer a voice Internet combination broad band service through our partnership with Qwest," Renner said.

OutlawNet also repairs both Mac and Windows computers for customers all over Central Oregon. Prices for all services are competitive with other providers.

Recently, OutlawNet received nationwide attention.

Renner explained. "Not long ago the Bulletin ran a story on OutlawNet. That story was picked up by AP (Associated Press) and Newsweek. Tech TV picked it up from there.

"Last month Tech TV, which is part of a program called TechLive, came out to school and filmed the OutlawNet class, interviewed students, and went on a service call with the techs," Renner said.

"The program was aired on Tech TV two weeks ago. The show was just great."

Renner hopes to share a tape of the broadcast with the Sisters School Board at their next meeting.

For more information about OutlawNet call 549-1054.