County

Broadband applications can benefit various people groups

RBC I Broadband system design requires “fail-safe” redundant engineering loop design.
Broadband delivered by buried or pole mounted fiber optic cable (as with any other delivery system for electrical or electronic media) is susceptible to physical and environmental damage and destruction. A buried fiber optic cable can be accidentally dug up by construction machinery even with laws that require pre-locates before excavation.
Natural hazards such as severe weather, wildfire, floods, earthquake or deliberate sabotage or vandalism may cause interruption and damage to buried or pole-mounted cables. Consequently a “failsafe” or redundant loop engineering design should always be in place such that interruption of any one point in the cable loop permits rerouting data to the site that is interrupted via the opposite side of the fiber optic cable loop, seamlessly and without system failures. Redundancy is always more expensive but is always better than experiencing failure of critical data pathways especially in emergent conditions such as disasters, natural hazards or even routine public safety operations.
A massive solar storm resulting from sunspots may pose the greatest threat to electronics and digital systems. The earth experiences rare but potentially catastrophic solar particle storms resulting from severe sunspot eruptions that generate charged particles traveling in the solar wind. Most of these storms are deflected by the ionosphere of the earth’s atmosphere, causing colorful visual displays known as “northern lights” but acute storms can overcome this defense and damage or destroy satellites, disrupt radio communications, affect power grids and electronic devices which could massively constrain or disrupt the entire world infrastructure and economy. The last storm of such magnitude is thought to have occurred in the 19th century before modern technology existed, so the effect cannot be fully predicted but has very serious potential.
Wireless delivery of broadband via 4G networks
Wireless delivery of broadband in rural mountainous areas may be equally problematic due to insufficient propagation of radio signals. Unless a comprehensive wireless network design is identified and engineered to support a given geographic area, 4G (and succeeding generations) cannot be reliably delivered to potential subscribers living outside more urban or populated areas. Where fiber optic cable is not available, and where wireless cell systems are also unavailable, only satellite delivered broadband may serve those needs and must offer faster and larger data delivery capacity to match fiber optic capacity.
Applications requiring high speed, high capacity broadband network support:
Motor Vehicle Crash Injury Management Systems (CIMS)

For a number of years, Crash Injury Management Systems have been built into modern motor vehicles that are capable of sending automatic notifications via satellite or ground-based wireless broadband systems to a central point of emergency contact such as satellite based proprietary vehicular communications system providers such as On-STAR which then transmits the signal to the local 9-1-1 PSAP/ Emergency Communications Center that dispatches first responders to the scene. The system is so sophisticated that it can report air-bag collision deployments, whether seat belts are in use, speed at time of the crash, direction of impact, whether the vehicle rolled, if occupants were ejected, whether vehicle is on fire, submerged in water, number of occupants, what the probable injuries may be, based on the force analysis of the incident, and much more. Intrado Corporation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration of the Department of Transportation, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, as well as the Federal Communications Commission worked with major auto manufacturers to develop and deploy these systems.
Healthcare providers biomedical telemetry and video systems for emergency medical services:
Emergency medical services providers and emergency trauma centers have begun deploying a variety of medical telemetry communications and video mobil systems that permit paramedics and physicians to receive vital signs and observe the patient in high definition video to assist in diagnosis and treatment of patients en route to trauma centers. They also receive advanced injury analysis probability data from the crash injury management systems noted above and so are better prepared to deal with the situation even before they arrive on scene. Health care systems will be able to share advanced, high definition patient information, live biomedical visual monitoring, diagnostic analysis and referral to specialists, radiology imaging and other features.
Live video teleconferencing, data sharing, marketing and sales, working from home:
Broadband will support worldwide high definition video imaging and data sharing between a variety of corporations and other organizations with video teleconferencing. This can save vast amounts spent on travel and lodging by representatives to make sales presentations, marketing, engineering design consultation and development, research and much more. Fewer miles traveled translates into less costs for fuel, reduced air pollution and environmental improvements overall.
Work from home offices:
Moreover, professionals, employees and consultants can work from home offices rather than having to travel to an office facility thereby saving travel costs, paying for office and support facilities. Accordingly parents can provide their own child care and support simultaneously while fulfilling their employment responsibilities saving costs of day care, travel commuting, risks of adverse weather and consequent possible injury or death in vehicular accidents, etc.
Marketing and product sales:
Sales of products is already done via the internet through such comprehensive sales organizations as Amazon, and other major retailers, as well as custom specialty small businesses, which opens their market region to the entire world, thus lessening the need for “brick and mortar” facilities.
Education:
Educational institutions can benefit through “virtual classrooms” where educators can share lectures and demonstrations via teleconferencing with students who can participate from their homes or residences, saving travel costs, and can interact individually with instructors, teaching assistants, mentors and fellow students for more detailed discussions of topics. Not congregating in classrooms can lessen spread of contagious diseases especially for younger children, and permit them to participate even if they are ill and at home so lessons are not missed and work can be submitted electronically to teachers. Home-schooled children can benefit greatly from such technology as well due to vastly improved resources and data access. Programmed and hands-on experiential education and progressive individual learning methodology has been shown to be far more effective in classroom situations where students progress at different levels and those with varying abilities ranging from advanced, talented and gifted, as well as for those with special needs can be effectively supported and make adequate progress suitable for their abilities.
Volunteer organizations:
Volunteers can meet via teleconferences without having to travel over great distances at considerable expense, risk of travel and injury during adverse weather, and loss of productive time for travel.Families can stay in instant contact throughout the world through video teleconferencing and data sharing.

Editor’s note: This article is the second in a series to be published in ensuing weeks on the topic of broadband telecommunications.

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  • Jake Blazon at bat for the Meeker Cowboys. The MHS team brought home two wins against Olathe and lost two against the North Fork Miners. The location for this weekend’s games has not been announced due to weather and field conditions. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
  • The 2024 Meeker High School boys basketball team held their awards banquet last week. Jace Mobley was named Player of the Western Slope League and all-conference, Ryan Sullivan all-conference, Jonathon Fitzgibbons all-conference, Ethan Quinn honorable mention all-conference, Jacob Simonsen honorable mention all conference. Mobley will play in All State games. Coach Klark Kindler was named Western Slope Coach of the Year. Left to right: Bryan Rosas, Simonsen, Quinn, Fitzgibbons, Mobley and Sullivan.
  • It's that time again! Another edition of great local news stories is 
🐰 Hopping 🐰 your way this morning! Catch up on everything thats 🐣 hatching 🐣 in Rio Blanco County this week.
Need a copy? Signing up is fast and easy! Visit our website at ht1885.com/subscribe to get a copy sent to your door every week! 
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  • It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
  • Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line.  The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale.
Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch.  See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
  • Read part three of the story of M.T. Streeter in this week’s edition of History Lessons! Find it in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
  • Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
Jake Blazon at bat for the Meeker Cowboys. The MHS team brought home two wins against Olathe and lost two against the North Fork Miners. The location for this weekend’s games has not been announced due to weather and field conditions. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
Jake Blazon at bat for the Meeker Cowboys. The MHS team brought home two wins against Olathe and lost two against the North Fork Miners. The location for this weekend’s games has not been announced due to weather and field conditions. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
7 hours ago
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1/9
The 2024 Meeker High School boys basketball team held their awards banquet last week. Jace Mobley was named Player of the Western Slope League and all-conference, Ryan Sullivan all-conference, Jonathon Fitzgibbons all-conference, Ethan Quinn honorable mention all-conference, Jacob Simonsen honorable mention all conference. Mobley will play in All State games. Coach Klark Kindler was named Western Slope Coach of the Year. Left to right: Bryan Rosas, Simonsen, Quinn, Fitzgibbons, Mobley and Sullivan.
The 2024 Meeker High School boys basketball team held their awards banquet last week. Jace Mobley was named Player of the Western Slope League and all-conference, Ryan Sullivan all-conference, Jonathon Fitzgibbons all-conference, Ethan Quinn honorable mention all-conference, Jacob Simonsen honorable mention all conference. Mobley will play in All State games. Coach Klark Kindler was named Western Slope Coach of the Year. Left to right: Bryan Rosas, Simonsen, Quinn, Fitzgibbons, Mobley and Sullivan.
8 hours ago
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2/9
It's that time again! Another edition of great local news stories is 
🐰 Hopping 🐰 your way this morning! Catch up on everything thats 🐣 hatching 🐣 in Rio Blanco County this week.
Need a copy? Signing up is fast and easy! Visit our website at ht1885.com/subscribe to get a copy sent to your door every week! 
We appreciate all your continued support!
It's that time again! Another edition of great local news stories is 🐰 Hopping 🐰 your way this morning! Catch up on everything thats 🐣 hatching 🐣 in Rio Blanco County this week. Need a copy? Signing up is fast and easy! Visit our website at ht1885.com/subscribe to get a copy sent to your door every week! We appreciate all your continued support!
13 hours ago
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3/9
It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line.  The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale.
Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch.  See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line. The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale. Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch. See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
2 days ago
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5/9
Read part three of the story of M.T. Streeter in this week’s edition of History Lessons! Find it in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
Read part three of the story of M.T. Streeter in this week’s edition of History Lessons! Find it in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
3 days ago
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7/9
Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
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