Locals get speedy Internet service

Qwest's Ron Trullinger (r.) explains DSL service to Mitch Martin at the Camp Sherman General Store. photo by Conrad Weiler

Qwest Digital Subscriber Internet service (DSL) now covers most of the Camp Sherman community.

An earlier report (The Nugget, October 29, 2003) explained that Qwest's initial DSL service served only part of Camp Sherman. At that time, Ron Trullinger, Qwest Regional Community Manager, had promised a possible solution during the first quarter of 2004. That commitment has been met during February 2004.

"We were helped with funds from Senate Bill 622 and hope to offer DSL service to all areas of the state in the near future," said Trullinger

SB 622 requires bringing broadband Internet service into all schools in the state.

"We have just turned up our other equipment to be able to offer DSL to Black Butte School (BBS) and the Camp Sherman business community," he said. "Most of Camp Sherman will now qualify for high-speed Internet. There are a few locations like the fish hatchery, five miles from the DSL box, and some outlying ranches that are still too far out to qualify."

Generally, there is a maximum three-mile radius from the host box (12,000 ­ 15,000 feet) following telephone line of travel.

"We call the equipment a remote DSLAM (digital subscriber line and media). It is the same type of equipment that we installed at the entrance to Metolius Meadows last year," Trullinger said.

The new, second "box" is located near downtown Camp Sherman, between the school and General Store along Road 1419.

Users will be able to sign up for 256K (256,000 bits per second), 640K, or faster service. Currently, dial-up telephone service in Camp Sherman only generates 24K speed at best.

"This will save the school district considerably on monthly fees over the current Internet system we use," said BBS teacher Toni Foster.

"Anybody in Camp Sherman having trouble or denied service should contact me at 1-800-215-4830," said Trullinger.

Call 1-800-507-0776 for other information.