As those of you east of 4-Mile Reserve know, we suffered the shortest of these network interruptions last winter, only 3 weeks.  On December 20, 2008 our Saloompt Mountain facility went down due to ice build-up on the solar panels and the resulting discharge of our batteries.  However, we were able to restore service on January 11th 2009 by installing a wind turbine on Saloompt peak to provide alternative power for our equipment during periods of low light intensity due to weather or ice build-up.  During the 3 weeks of the Saloompt facility outage, CCCS techs had to contend with the fact that this occurred over the Christmas holiday, which affected the shipping of the wind turbine and access tech support.  The holiday also limited our access to helicopter service on the few days when weather would permit a flight.  Two flights were required to install the wind generator because during the first flight deteriorating weather conditions forced the pilot to retrieve CCCS techs off Saloompt prior to wind turbine installation completion.  A second flight was then needed during the next ‘good weather opportunity’.  Once installed, the wind turbine kept the Saloompt facility operating throughout the rest of the winter until the ice melted off the solar panels.  Relative to previous winter outages, 3 weeks was an exceptionally short period of time to be offline considering that in previous years winter outages had lasted several months and were more widespread.   This was the first winter that high-speed service for the upper valley was running for most of the winter and there were no major service interruptions on the Townsite or in 4-Mile Reserve this past year. 

With the lessons we have learned last winter we do not anticipate any major outages this coming winter.  We have acquired valuable data and learned how to counter the arctic conditions that prevail on Saloompt peak during the winter.  This summer, the wind turbine, which was installed in the middle of winter, will be relocated and secured at a permanent position away from the com-shell to prevent falling ice damage.

The CCCS is continually working to minimize service outages at any time during thre year.  Some items that indicate our progress are:

• Our wait-list for high-speed installs has been cleared up and CCCS is now able to offer next day installation in most cases.  If you have been waiting for the wait-list to be cleared up before requesting service, now is the time to call 250 982 0094 and leave a message for us.
• Our experience with the high-speed network has allowed us to quadruple the network speed at no extra charge to all of our members.
• We are in the process of re-assessing our high-speed subscription packages and will shortly be bringing out a new high-speed subscription fee structure that will better serve our existing subscribers.  We are considering a new low end package that will be of particular interest to our dial-up members. 
• We want to eventually be able to extend high-speed wireless service to every household in the Valley.

 If you are interested in connecting to the CCCS high-speed network, please call 250-982-0094 and leave a message with your name, phone number, and the best time for us to return your call.  This same number is your first point of contact for any other concerns.

CCCS would like to thank West Coast Helicopters and Bella Coola Heli Sports for working so earnestly to help provide us with flights whenever we have needed them.  Also, thank you to all the members who have been patient with us while we have been working to provide the best Internet service possible to our very remote Valley.  Another thank you goes out to the many residents who have donated their personal time to help out when they can, including flying to Saloompt to work in the middle of winter in treacherous conditions and extreme cold.

We Are:
 

Board of Directors: Ron Evans Mike Wigle Stuart Ward David McCauly Doug Baker Bookkeeping: Lesley Harrison cccsbookkeeper@belco.bc.ca

Technician: James Hindley High Speed Installer: Bob Cross Public Relations & Web Design: Jean Prins Public Relations Back-up: Krista Gunderson