Hyannis, MA, September 23, – In response to recent tragic fatal and near-fatal shark bites in the
waters off Cape Cod, OpenCape, the Barnstable-based not-for-profit organization that owns and
operates Cape Cod’s open access fiber optic network, has been working diligently to offer
potential solutions moving forward.“As an organization whose core mission revolves around public safety and economic development, this is something that we feel is critical to participate in,” says OpenCape CEO
Steve Johnston. “Connecting the Outer Cape beaches within the National Seashore is something
we have been working toward over the past few years. The stumbling block always comes down
to the same factor: money to build into these fairly remote areas.” Johnston says that before any practical technological solutions for shark mitigation, such as the Clever Buoy system (depicted above), can be considered or deployed the Cape community needs to prioritize enhancing the connectivity and communications capability for the Outer Capebeaches that are most impacted. To meet this remote connectivity challenge, OpenCape is collaborating with another company founded here on the Cape, Sandwich’s Centerline Communications, which built Gillette’s
Stadiums DAS (Distributed Antenna System) Network within the Stadium. “The team at Centerline is expert at utilizing DAS or Small cell technology to share connectivity provided by OpenCape to the beaches without having to construct massive towers,” says Johnston. “The goal here is to reach and effectively service the National Seashore with the least possible environmental impact, maintaining the majesty and beauty of one of the greatest protected
natural areas in the world.” OpenCape has been in touch with the National Seashore, the entire Cape Legislative Delegation and the Outer Cape Town Managers and have offered their expert assistance for the ongoing challenge of servicing these remote beaches. In addition, the company is being proactive by analyzing what will be most effective for the needs of the community. “We have been in close communications with Craig Anderson, CEO at Clever Buoy, about the technology required to ensure the Clever Buoy network would function and remain connected in the harsh marine environment of the Outer Cape,” says Johnston. “ We all want to continue to enjoy our
seashores, with the understanding that the ocean and its inhabitants can be dangerous and
unpredictable. Our services can help create a more technologically connected experience for
everyone who loves Cape Cod beaches.” OpenCape already connects the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, NOAA, the Coastal Studies Center, USGS and numerous other marine-related organizations that could directly
benefit from access to data collected from any shoreline monitoring systems. “In the past 18 months OpenCape has also made tremendous progress by expanding our network connecting municipal and business customers across the Cape and Southeastern Massachusetts, adding clients like Southcoast Hospitals and Cape Cod HealthCare and expanding service into Joint Base Cape Cod,” says Johnston. ”At the same time OpenCape continues to offer leading medium and small business, such as Cape Associates and Pie In the Sky in Woods Hole, our reliable, high-speed internet and exemplary customer relations services.” OpenCape Corporation is a 501c3 nonprofit technology company headquartered in Barnstable Village at the Barnstable County Complex. OpenCape owns and operates a state-of-the-art fiber optic network built to serve local governments, businesses, and residents of Southeastern
Massachusetts, the Cape & Islands. Their fiber network is on par with the most sophisticated and technically proficient fiber networks in the world. For more information please visit www.opencape.org
