Photo gallery for Access Humboldt launches "Digital Rio Dell"

Free wireless Internet and a redundant municipal broadband connection

Rio Dell, CA – Today the Rio Dell City Council celebrated the launch of Access Humboldt’s “Digital Rio Dell” Project with free wireless Internet access at City Hall. Broadband wi-fi access is now available at Rio Dell City Hall and the service is slated to quickly expand to Rio Dell’s public library, fire station, and other public facilities.

Digital Rio Dell also brings online the county’s first redundant broadband municipal connection, which will avert Internet interruptions caused by the type of fiber optic line breaks that twice plagued Humboldt County last year.

Rio Dell Mayor Bud Leonard applauded the Access Humboldt project, a collaboration between public and private sector interests. "Rio Dell is happy to step forward and offer free public access to the Internet - thanks to the Council and our visionary City Manager, our future is very bright."

“Digital Rio Dell is creating next-generation community network infrastructure,” said Sean McLaughlin, executive director of Access Humboldt. “Thanks to the City of Rio Dell and our private partners, especially Carlson Wireless and Security National Servicing Corp. Thanks also to Suddenlink Communications for providing Access Humboldt with dedicated network connections.”

“A redundant Internet connection is very important,” said City Manager Nancy Flemming. "Broadband access to the Internet is essential infrastructure for the future of Rio Dell, as much as it is for the entire North Coast. Our City is delighted to have partners who share our commitment to build public service networks that give our residents access to digital communications."

Access Humboldt is working with local companies to build municipal network infrastructure for Rio Dell, including Carlson Wireless Technologies, 101 Netlink, and C4i Security - all based in Humboldt County.

Carlson Wireless CEO Jim Carlson said, “The Digital Rio Dell Project creates an excellent platform for developing next-generation Internet applications to improve public health, safety and education. We support this local effort and look forward to bringing future innovations, including WiMAX and digital media applications.”

Said Rob Arkley, owner of Security National Servicing Corp. and a Board member of Access Humboldt, “Security National is proud to sponsor Digital Rio Dell. We’re proving the potential of public-private partnerships to build next-generation digital media for local communities.”

Access Humboldt is a non-profit community service organization created last year to manage cable franchise benefits for the County of Humboldt and the Cities of Eureka, Arcata, Fortuna, Rio Dell, Blue Lake and Ferndale. Community access resources include cable TV channels, local network connections, and a new community media center being constructed at Eureka High School. For more information visit http://accesshumboldt.net

Carlson Wireless Technologies Inc.,based in Arcata. Carlson creates innovative broadband access and backhaul products to deliver Internet access, telephone and public safety/security solutions worldwide. CWT is committed to “Bridging the Digital Divide.” http://www.carlsonwireless.com/

Security National Servicing Corp., based in Eureka, is a privately held company specializing in loan acquisitions and real estate development. A multibillion dollar enterprise, it remains a "family" business and prides itself on the quality of its people and their professionalism, integrity and commitment to service.

Local Humboldt County vendors include: 101Netlink providing broadband services to Northwestern California - Highway 101 and surrounding areas, and C4i Security LLC, a systems integrator specializing in information technology, network, and video security infrastructure solutions.

For information about Digital Rio Dell, contact:
Executive Director Sean McLaughlin, Access Humboldt, c: 707-616-2381
City Manager Nancy Flemming, City of Rio Dell, t: 707-764-3532
Mayor Bud Leonard, City of Rio Dell, t: 707-764-3532