WiFi in Sebastopol

[danejasper]

I visited Wacco to see what the local buzz was about Comcast's newly installed WiFi service in Sebastopol, and found nary a mention. Nothing from the "EMF Safety Network" folks either on their site. Odd.

https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20120927/BUSINESS/120929574

[Barry]

I visited Wacco to see what the local buzz was about Comcast's newly installed WiFi service in Sebastopol, and found nary a mention. Nothing from the "EMF Safety Network" folks either on their site. Odd.

https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20120927/BUSINESS/120929574

Here's the article. The new hotspots are not just in Sebastopol, but also in Santa Rosa and elsewhere. Note that while they are free for Comcast users, there's a fee for other users.

I still think it would be best if there were a free wi-fi network, such as the one Sonic.net offered Sebastopol, that covered downtown and other commercial (non-residential) districts. I don't know if Sonic would still be willing, but perhaps the new city council will be more receptive to that idea.

It seems that the only think the anti-wifi people have accomplished is to make it not-free!

Barry



Comcast creating nearly 200 Wi-Fi hotspots in Sonoma County
https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20120927/BUSINESS/120929574?p=all&tc=pgall

By BOB NORBERG
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT
Published: Thursday, September 27, 2012 at 1:02 p.m.
Last Modified: Friday, September 28, 2012 at 8:11 a.m.

Comcast unveiled nearly 200 Wi-Fi hot spots in Sonoma County on Thursday, surprising some city officials who said they were unaware the company had been building a network that gives its customers free access to the Internet away from their homes.

Comcast said it intends to continue expanding the network, which already lines much of the Bay Area and extends into several cities in the Central Valley.

"The goal is not to build a network that covers every square inch. The goal is to extend the Internet experience of the home to the outside world," Comcast spokesman Bryan Byrd said.

The service is provided by small antennas and routers inside businesses and on outside poles where Comcast already has equipment, which usually fall outside any ordinances of local jurisdictions.

The hot spots cover much of north central Santa Rosa and smaller sections of seven other cities in Sonoma County, according to a map published on Comcast's website.

The network includes a dozen hot spots in Sebastopol, where citizens concerned about the health effects of radiation from wireless radio devices fought previous Wi-Fi proposals and PG&E's introduction of SmartMeters.

Officials with the EMF Safety Network, which was founded in Sebastopol, did not immediately return telephone calls and emails seeking comment Thursday.

Four years ago, Sebastopol blocked local Internet service provider Sonic.net from installing Wi-Fi hot spots in town over emissions concerns.

Comcast did not contact most cities in advance, including Sebastopol, because the hot spots are regulated only by Comcast's statewide franchise agreement, Byrd said. The radio waves fall within emission standards established by the Federal Communications Commission, he said.

Sebastopol officials were surprised to learn of the rollout.

"It is possible some members in our community would have concerns about Wi-Fi, given recent history," said Mayor Guy Wilson. "I will accept as true what Comcast says relative to their legal right to do these technological installations. If Comcast does not have the right to do that, somebody will speak up."

The range of the signal is about 200 yards and the quality of the reception depends on such physical barriers as walls.

Wi-Fi networks allow customers with smartphones and tablets to connect to the Internet without using up limited minutes or data on a cellphone plan, Byrd said.

Comcast Internet customers will have free access to the Wi-Fi hot spots. Non-customers can get access to one free session and then pay for subsequent service. The cost is $2.95 an hour, $7.95 a day or $19.95 a week.

To view a map of local Wi-Fi hot spots, visit www.xfinity.com/wifi and go to "Find a Hot Spot."

"This is not a ubiquitous network that covers every edge of the city," Byrd said.

"We are not done. We are continuing to add hot spots every week. That network will continue to grow."

So far, the number of Comcast hot spots include Santa Rosa, 90; Sebastopol, 12; Windsor, 30; Healdsburg, 7; Rohnert Park, 5; Cotati, 6; Petaluma, 10; Sonoma, 20; Glen Ellen, 1; Kenwood, 2; Graton, 1; Forestville, 1; Bodega Bay, 4; and Guerneville, 1.

Comcast has 2.2 million TV and Internet customers in Northern California, Byrd said.

You can reach Staff Writer Bob Norberg at 521-5206 or [email protected].

[scamperwillow]

I would really love it if sonic would come back with their proposal - after the election. I am still all for it! In fact some friends and I were just talking about this a couple days ago.....
Marty

Here's the article. The new hotspots are not just in Sebastopol, but also in Santa Rosa and elsewhere. Note that while they are free for Comcast users, there's a fee for other users.

I still think it would be best if there were a free wi-fi network, such as the one Sonic.net offered Sebastopol, that covered downtown and other commercial (non-residential) districts. I don't know if Sonic would still be willing, but perhaps the new city council will be more receptive to that idea.

It seems that the only think the anti-wifi people have accomplished is to make it not-free!

Barry

[spam1]

Well of course Dane; the tin-foil hat wearing cracktivists (crack-pot activists, like it?) only care about the appearance of things, and nothing of the facts. When your service offer was refused, it was completely clear that there would be MORE WiFi added as each individual house and business would have to add their own, rather than having a common WiFi service. And now Comcast just does it on their own. So we get all the radiation and none of the service and we still have to have our own Wifi. Wonderful result. But now they're too busy fighting the PGE nuclear-smart meters (radiation, nuclear, koch brothers, haliburton...get it... uh huh, just saying).

P.S. sorry you sold off Pogowave, but CDS seems to be keeping things running smoothly. When will you get fusion out along Green Valley Road?

I visited Wacco to see what the local buzz was about Comcast's newly installed WiFi service in Sebastopol, and found nary a mention. Nothing from the "EMF Safety Network" folks either on their site. Odd.

https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20120927/BUSINESS/120929574

[Chris Dec]

Look, I want to make REAL sure I understand what has happened before I spill my rage...

A while back, Sonic's wonderful Dane Jasper offered us FREE Wi-Fi, if I recall correctly, as a way of thanking the Sonic community for its loyalty and support during its growing years. It was yelled down by those who were fearful of electronic emissions.

NOW, Comcast has horned in without prior approval and blessed us with FREE WI-Fi, except we loyal Sonic users are not Comcast users and would have to pay Comcast per minute to take advantage of the electronic emissions floating around.

If I have it wrong, will someone out there set me straight? Otherwise, I feel the city of Sebastopol owes us something... at the very least, an apology, or from over the other end of the spectrum... some of those FREE emissions.

Had to use those cute emoticons, but not the thumbs up... I need a different finger.

I am listening.

Here's the article. The new hotspots are not just in Sebastopol, but also in Santa Rosa and elsewhere. Note that while they are free for Comcast users, there's a fee for other users.

I still think it would be best if there were a free wi-fi network, such as the one Sonic.net offered Sebastopol, that covered downtown and other commercial (non-residential) districts. I don't know if Sonic would still be willing, but perhaps the new city council will be more receptive to that idea.

It seems that the only think the anti-wifi people have accomplished is to make it not-free!

Barry



Comcast creating nearly 200 Wi-Fi hotspots in Sonoma County
https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20120927/BUSINESS/120929574?p=all&tc=pgall

By BOB NORBERG
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT
Published: Thursday, September 27, 2012 at 1:02 p.m.
Last Modified: Friday, September 28, 2012 at 8:11 a.m.

Comcast unveiled nearly 200 Wi-Fi hot spots in Sonoma County on Thursday, surprising some city officials who said they were unaware the company had been building a network that gives its customers free access to the Internet away from their homes.

Comcast said it intends to continue expanding the network, which already lines much of the Bay Area and extends into several cities in the Central Valley.

"The goal is not to build a network that covers every square inch. The goal is to extend the Internet experience of the home to the outside world," Comcast spokesman Bryan Byrd said.

The service is provided by small antennas and routers inside businesses and on outside poles where Comcast already has equipment, which usually fall outside any ordinances of local jurisdictions.

The hot spots cover much of north central Santa Rosa and smaller sections of seven other cities in Sonoma County, according to a map published on Comcast's website.

The network includes a dozen hot spots in Sebastopol, where citizens concerned about the health effects of radiation from wireless radio devices fought previous Wi-Fi proposals and PG&E's introduction of SmartMeters.

Officials with the EMF Safety Network, which was founded in Sebastopol, did not immediately return telephone calls and emails seeking comment Thursday.

Four years ago, Sebastopol blocked local Internet service provider Sonic.net from installing Wi-Fi hot spots in town over emissions concerns.

Comcast did not contact most cities in advance, including Sebastopol, because the hot spots are regulated only by Comcast's statewide franchise agreement, Byrd said. The radio waves fall within emission standards established by the Federal Communications Commission, he said.

Sebastopol officials were surprised to learn of the rollout.

"It is possible some members in our community would have concerns about Wi-Fi, given recent history," said Mayor Guy Wilson. "I will accept as true what Comcast says relative to their legal right to do these technological installations. If Comcast does not have the right to do that, somebody will speak up."

The range of the signal is about 200 yards and the quality of the reception depends on such physical barriers as walls.

Wi-Fi networks allow customers with smartphones and tablets to connect to the Internet without using up limited minutes or data on a cellphone plan, Byrd said.

Comcast Internet customers will have free access to the Wi-Fi hot spots. Non-customers can get access to one free session and then pay for subsequent service. The cost is $2.95 an hour, $7.95 a day or $19.95 a week.

To view a map of local Wi-Fi hot spots, visit www.xfinity.com/wifi and go to "Find a Hot Spot."

"This is not a ubiquitous network that covers every edge of the city," Byrd said.

"We are not done. We are continuing to add hot spots every week. That network will continue to grow."

So far, the number of Comcast hot spots include Santa Rosa, 90; Sebastopol, 12; Windsor, 30; Healdsburg, 7; Rohnert Park, 5; Cotati, 6; Petaluma, 10; Sonoma, 20; Glen Ellen, 1; Kenwood, 2; Graton, 1; Forestville, 1; Bodega Bay, 4; and Guerneville, 1.

Comcast has 2.2 million TV and Internet customers in Northern California, Byrd said.

You can reach Staff Writer Bob Norberg at 521-5206 or [email protected].

[rossmen]

i understand the situation exactly as you, however i have a different emotional reaction. comcast put in the wifi without notifying anyone using the permissions for their already existing cable monopoly; classic vertical integration. sonic didn't have this option, they had to ask and got turned down after public input. this is how the law favors existing large corporations. did the city or citizens concerned about increasing rf levels understand the possible unintended consequences of turning down sonic? would comcast have wified anyway if sonic had sebtown covered? i don't know, we live in interesting times...

Look, I want to make REAL sure I understand what has happened before I spill my rage...

A while back, Sonic's wonderful Dane Jasper offered us FREE Wi-Fi, if I recall correctly, as a way of thanking the Sonic community for its loyalty and support during its growing years. It was yelled down by those who were fearful of electronic emissions.

NOW, Comcast has horned in without prior approval and blessed us with FREE WI-Fi, except we loyal Sonic users are not Comcast users and would have to pay Comcast per minute to take advantage of the electronic emissions floating around.

If I have it wrong, will someone out there set me straight? Otherwise, I feel the city of Sebastopol owes us something... at the very least, an apology, or from over the other end of the spectrum... some of those FREE emissions.

Had to use those cute emoticons, but not the thumbs up... I need a different finger.

I am listening.

[spam1]

Not exactly: they were turned down after a very few cracktivists raised a giant fuss and the council members didn't do any investigation, they just denied it. No looking if in 1 or 2 years, there would be more or less WiFi (not that it really matters, but even if you just believed it matters, one would presume less is better than more). Now we have more (every business, comcast, individuals) and we have to pay for it, and we put down a good local company in favor of a giant unresponsive out-of-town company. that's small town politics at its best!

i understand the situation exactly as you, however i have a different emotional reaction. comcast put in the wifi without notifying anyone using the permissions for their already existing cable monopoly; classic vertical integration. sonic didn't have this option, they had to ask and got turned down after public input. this is how the law favors existing large corporations. did the city or citizens concerned about increasing rf levels understand the possible unintended consequences of turning down sonic? would comcast have wified anyway if sonic had sebtown covered? i don't know, we live in interesting times...

[Don Watanabe]

I couldn't have said it better. Thank you.

Not exactly: they were turned down after a very few cracktivists raised a giant fuss and the council members didn't do any investigation, they just denied it. No looking if in 1 or 2 years, there would be more or less WiFi (not that it really matters, but even if you just believed it matters, one would presume less is better than more). Now we have more (every business, comcast, individuals) and we have to pay for it, and we put down a good local company in favor of a giant unresponsive out-of-town company. that's small town politics at its best!

[Flabbergasted]

I'll second that.

I couldn't have said it better. Thank you.

[Sasu]

Comcast installed 23 hotspots in Sebastopol, without asking the city for permission.

Dane Jasper HATES wi-fi and has gotten rid of its service... so even if the free wifi was permitted, Sonic would've ditched it. https://corp.sonic.net/ceo/2012/04/04/i-hate-wireless/

If we weren't so busy working for customers rights to retain the analog utility meters we'd be after Comcast for indiscriminately exposing people and the environment to RF radiation (17-26 Watts per hotspot)

RF radiation from cell towers, cell phones wireless is energetic air pollution. At its core this is a medical issue.

Sandi


It seems that the only think the anti-wifi people have accomplished is to make it not-free!

Barry

[Barry]

Comcast installed 23 hotspots in Sebastopol, without asking the city for permission.

Dane Jasper HATES wi-fi and has gotten rid of its service... so even if the free wifi was permitted, Sonic would've ditched it. https://corp.sonic.net/ceo/2012/04/04/i-hate-wireless/

Good try, Sandy. If you read the article you quoted, it's plain that Dane has no problem with the possible health impacts of wireless, "it’s an issue of focus."

[danejasper]

Comcast installed 23 hotspots in Sebastopol, without asking the city for permission.

Dane Jasper HATES wi-fi and has gotten rid of its service... so even if the free wifi was permitted, Sonic would've ditched it. https://corp.sonic.net/ceo/2012/04/04/i-hate-wireless/

If we weren't so busy working for customers rights to retain the analog utility meters we'd be after Comcast for indiscriminately exposing people and the environment to RF radiation (17-26 Watts per hotspot)

RF radiation from cell towers, cell phones wireless is energetic air pollution. At its core this is a medical issue.

Sandi


It seems that the only think the anti-wifi people have accomplished is to make it not-free!

Barry

WiFi is limited to 400mw - that's milliwatts, so four-tenths of a watt.

Compare to AM radio or television service at tens of thousands of watts, and you'll understand why concerns about WiFi are so very silly.

[rossmen]

gee, i guess thats why they put radio and tv transmitters on top of mountains well away from human habitation. i don't see rf pollution critics complaining about the intensity, more about that it is a change in the environment and possible effects. the research has not been done and the question is legitimate. we now know that being an electrical lineman fucks you up more than football. so yes, intensity below what will fry your eyeballs is bad. but what about frequency? we are electrical beings and having devices within our personal space operating on similar energy levels and our own natural frequencies might? the biggest reason the research hasn't been done is the changing frequency and intensity of wifi communication as the tech rapidly evolves.

WiFi is limited to 400mw - that's milliwatts, so four-tenths of a watt.

Compare to AM radio or television service at tens of thousands of watts, and you'll understand why concerns about WiFi are so very silly.

[starseed]

In response to health concerns of the WIFI issue in Sebastopol & Occidental, I have included these 2 short articles. Dr. Karim has already appeared in Toronto this past April. However, I thought this information would put to rest any doubts re: health issues stemming from EMF's and provide material for you to explore further. Finally, it would be wonderful to NOT have to read again that "the science" has not been done regarding electro-sensitivities and electrosmog pollution! The science surrounding these topics is important and the solutions have already proven to be effective. Enjoy the information & let's get going on bringing these environmental corrections here. Thanks for taking time to read this: Ibrahim Karim, Ph.D. Dr. Sc. (CAIRO, EGYPT)

Dr. Ibrahim Karim is a prominent Egyptian Architect and natural scientist, known throughout Europe and the Middle East as the founder of the modern science of BioGeometry®. BioGeometry explains for the first time the secrets of "Nature's own Design Language": How specific Shapes, Movements, Colors, Sounds, Angles, and Proportions create precise vibrational information which affects the health of all living beings. Dr. Karim is the former head of the Egyptian National Research Centre’s project on The Effect of Geometric Forms on Life Functions, and his work has been validated by a wide range of scientific and medical research facilities. He has also created an effective solution to the problem of Electro-Magnetic Field (EMF) Pollution and human electro-sensitivity, using precise geometric forms to change the vibrational characteristics of EM waves so that they no longer cause harm to living beings.. In 2010, Dr. Karim published Back to a Future for Mankind: BioGeometry and Solutions to the Global Environmental Crisis. Dr. Karim is speaking in Canada in advance of a rare Foundation Training in BioGeometry being offered in Toronto in May 2012, sponsored by the Toronto Dowsers. See www.biogeometry.com Dr. Karim will be available for book signing in Booth 214

The Solution to Electromagnetic Pollution: Egyptian Biogeometry®

Saturday 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM, 205

Dr. Karim has created an effective method to transform the harmful health effects of EMF, through precise shapes which change the vibrational characteristics of any electrical field or device. This method can be applied at any scale, from a single electronic device to entire homes or offices, or even entire cities. Dr. Karim has repeatedly demonstrated the effectiveness of BioGeometry methods, including by eliminating electrosmog problems which greatly debilitated the population and animals, including the dairy herds, in two Swiss towns in collaboration with Swiss government authorities. In this rare Canadian appearance, Dr. Karim will explain the principles behind his work, including how it can be applied to your own home or office. For many people, BioGeometry has been the missing key which has allowed them to reclaim their health after years of suffering from EMF and other environmental factors.

Comcast installed 23 hotspots in Sebastopol, without asking the city for permission.

Dane Jasper HATES wi-fi and has gotten rid of its service... so even if the free wifi was permitted, Sonic would've ditched it. https://corp.sonic.net/ceo/2012/04/04/i-hate-wireless/

If we weren't so busy working for customers rights to retain the analog utility meters we'd be after Comcast for indiscriminately exposing people and the environment to RF radiation (17-26 Watts per hotspot)

RF radiation from cell towers, cell phones wireless is energetic air pollution. At its core this is a medical issue.

Sandi


It seems that the only think the anti-wifi people have accomplished is to make it not-free!

Barry

[jbox]

gee, i guess thats why they put radio and tv transmitters on top of mountains well away from human habitation. i don't see rf pollution critics complaining about the intensity, more about that it is a change in the environment and possible effects. the research has not been done and the question is legitimate. we now know that being an electrical lineman fucks you up more than football. so yes, intensity below what will fry your eyeballs is bad. but what about frequency? we are electrical beings and having devices within our personal space operating on similar energy levels and our own natural frequencies might? the biggest reason the research hasn't been done is the changing frequency and intensity of wifi communication as the tech rapidly evolves.

Now, I don't know but I've been told that if you wear a tinfoil hat you're protected.....

[podfish]

Now, I don't know but I've been told that if you wear a tinfoil hat you're protected.....

shape it correctly though - you don't want it to act like an antenna instead of an RF shield.

[Peace Voyager]

Are you aware of how many of your own customers you are insulting when you publicly dismiss the concerns of a large portion of the population as, "silly"?

WiFi is limited to 400mw - that's milliwatts, so four-tenths of a watt.

Compare to AM radio or television service at tens of thousands of watts, and you'll understand why concerns about WiFi are so very silly.

[podfish]

Are you are of how many of your own customers you are insulting when you publicly dismiss the concerns of a large portion of the population as, "silly"?

it's not a good idea to silence a part of the population who has some actual knowledge by invoking their fear of retribution if they speak out publicly. I don't think you'd accept that as a tactic if you said someone was insulting their customers' beliefs by speaking out in favor of, say, gay marriage or global warming.

[Peace Voyager]

Let me correct that quote by Dane Jasper, the CEO of Sonic.net; he called those concerned about the effects of WiFi "very silly".

How many people on this list are insulted by that point of view?

• Mildly
• Very
• Not at all

If the residents of Sebastopol could vote on expanding:

• WiFi
• Cel Towers
• Smart Meters

what would the majority go for?

There are more important reasons to know what the truth is on these issues; beyond whether Mr. Jasper thinks the majority of us here are: very silly, at little, or not at all.

If we can't uphold these core values here; where are the folks who hold these values dear to go?

What town has the fortitude and wisdom to continue to hold the bar high for other local governments to learn from?

What has become of this town when the environmentally and socially active crowd throws all support behind the candidates who have been absent on upholding Sebastopol's precautionary principals beyond the CVS/Chase move?

I, and I think the rest of us, need to know where our true majority stands; otherwise we may be living with a myth regarding just what our culture here is.

The Occupy efforts regarding "Move Your Money" can go beyond your bank or internet service provider; it can support, or remove support to a city, county, state, or nation.

Alert citizens take the go local movement to the next level; by choosing to do business within the borders of local governments they have more affinity with; and withholding it from those areas where injustices and bad practices remain.

We have the tools to map our values, making this kind of mindful consumerism easier. Let's put it to good use.

Much thanks,
Colleen Fernald

Sebastopol's (sole) 2012 City Council Candidate
Supporting the Precautionary Approach
Regarding Environmental & Public Health

www.campaignforpeace.org

Are you are of how many of your own customers you are insulting when you publicly dismiss the concerns of a large portion of the population as, "silly"?

[Philip Tymon]

I see Barry has beat me to the post on this one, but I am going to second what he said.

You are misrepresenting the very article you are citing and linking to. Did you read the article? Do you understand it? Dane makes it very clear that he thinks wi-fi is a wonderful technology--- he just didn't think it was right for Sonic.net to pursue as a matter of business focus--- that Sonic.net could do other things better and leave wi-fi to those who are focused on that.

Comcast installed 23 hotspots in Sebastopol, without asking the city for permission.

Dane Jasper HATES wi-fi and has gotten rid of its service... so even if the free wifi was permitted, Sonic would've ditched it. https://corp.sonic.net/ceo/2012/04/04/i-hate-wireless/

If we weren't so busy working for customers rights to retain the analog utility meters we'd be after Comcast for indiscriminately exposing people and the environment to RF radiation (17-26 Watts per hotspot)

RF radiation from cell towers, cell phones wireless is energetic air pollution. At its core this is a medical issue.

Sandi


It seems that the only think the anti-wifi people have accomplished is to make it not-free!

Barry

[Peace Voyager]

it's not a good idea to silence a part of the population who has some actual knowledge by invoking their fear of retribution if they speak out publicly. I don't think you'd accept that as a tactic if you said someone was insulting their customers' beliefs by speaking out in favor of, say, gay marriage or global warming.

To state that you have a different understanding of what is factual and what is not when considering something scientific is everyone's prerogative. For a CEO to publicly state that the concerns of others regarding the risks to their health as very silly, is an insult to consideration for their well being. Clearly, some folks are just more sensitive. They are the canaries in the coal mine for the rest of us to take heed from.

Just because there are already a good number of man-made frequencies pulsing through our atmospheres and bodies, does not mean a little more won't affect us.

Dismissing your customers concerns as very silly, is a risk to the company's profit margin, and a wise CEO would keep personal judgements like that off the public's radar. This is different than just disagreeing and stating the claims behind your conclusions.

Going out front is a big risk as the CEO of the fast food chicken place demonstrated with his anti-gay marriage comments. Did they gain more returning customers than they lost?

For me the choice between Sonic & AT&T, my former ISP & phone provider is similar to the Obama/Romney dilemma - I want more choices which reflect my values.

Until then - I'll continue the job of informing those I do business with what's working and not working for me. I encourage all of you to do the same. It's often the only way we get improvements.