Columbia Gorge Economic Development Association
Resources :: Utilities
Telecommunications
The major communications carrier and service provider in the Columbia River Gorge is Embarq (formerly Sprint)located in Hood River, Oregon. The current infrastructure consists of two fiber optic backbones; both are in Oregon (from Portland to The Dalles and from Hood River to Parkdale). The local loop on each side of the river is composed of copper lines connecting individual users to the fiber optic arteries resulting in a network of dedicated transmission links. This infrastructure can transmit voice, data, and graphics and carries a digital signal, which is superior to the slower, more error-prone analog system. It is relatively unusual for a rural area to be completely digital. The fiber optic backbones in place provide a very large band width with extra capacity for future use.
Service Options / Protocols
Embarq offers several levels of service options/protocols at this time:
-
Digital Private Lines:
A low to high-speed digital link dedicated for the exclusive use of the customer. The transmission speed (bandwidth) and destination of each link is preconfigured. Bandwidths available range from 9.6 kbs (kilobits per second) to 45 mbs (Megabits per second), with 56 kbs and T1 (1.544 mbs) being the most common. Pricing is based on bandwidth and link distance.
-
Switched Digital Service:
A medium-speed switched (dialed) digital service with a 56 kbs capacity. Pricing is flat-rate for local calls. Long distance charges apply.
-
Frame Relay Service:
A medium to high-speed digital service in which a single access facility may connect to multiple remote locations simultaneously using preconfigured virtual circuits. Transmission speeds are available from 56 kbs to T1 (1.544 mbs). Though typically used for data, voice and video transport are also possible. Pricing is by bandwidth and is distance insensitive within the Sprint serving area.
-
ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network):
An end-to-end switched digital service that can simultaneously handle voice, data, and video, ISDN is an international standard that is growing in popularity. Pricing is tiered and based on a flat rate access charge plus minutes of usage, where available. Long distance charges apply. ISDN BRI (Basic Rate Interface) is scheduled to be available in many locations in the Gorge in May-June 1997.
^
Back to top
General Service Rates:
Residential Services:
Monthly flat rate charge:
- Oregon - $13.43
- Washington - $8.90 (extended area service rates vary in price)
For more information contact:
Embarq
1-866-304-6820
Business Services:
Monthly flat rate charge:
- Oregon - $24.00
- Washington - $17.85 (extended area service rates vary in price)
For more information contact:
Embarq- Business Service Information
1-866-380-9990
^
Back to top
Visual Image Relay
With respect to visual image relay technology, the infrastructure is distributed between at least seven different cable systems. Four of these are municipal (North Bonneville, Parkdale, Odell, and Cascade Locks) and three are private franchises (The Dalles, Hood River and White Salmon). Transmission of local channels from Portland occurs via microwave relay and transmission of national channels is by way of satellite. In most instances, each cable system has its own dish (head end) to access satellite transmissions.
For more information contact:
Charter Communications
541-386-3100 —Hood River
541-296-1146 —The Dalles
^
Back to top
|
