rips…

building an internet connection…

Those who want something done in Norway, often have to do it themselves. In my area we are literally building our own fiber­optic internet, phone and audio/video (TV) connection by hand, across the Norwegian mountain­side.

Images show poles being raised at a stretch where digging and/or laying cables on the ground were not an option.

First, we bought the poles and material, and prepared it for our part of the project. Then, on this cold and mostly wet Saturday in late November, volunteers gathered and started building the line.

Less than a kilometer stretch of poles needed to pass the highest point, and more than half of the poles for that stretch was erected in one short day. If the winter with snow and ice doesn't arrive too early and makes access impossible, all pipes and poles for the main line should be in place this year.

All Terrain Vehicles can only get so far into the terrain, no matter how “all terrain” they are. Where the ATV had to give up, raw manpower took over. Good thing so many volunteers were there to haul those heavy poles, tools and material uphill and into the preplanned positions.

Can not praise the many volunteers enough for showing up on time and in force and really making an effort for this common project. What looked like nothing but wishful thinking years ago, is now pretty close to reality thanks mainly to the local volunteers.

Those who think “building internet connections is easy“, should have joined the volunteers doing the heavy work on this project. I think they would change their minds pretty quickly.

participation…

I am slow on my feet these days – back/hip problems, and can't walk distances or jump around in the mountains anymore. More able people carried and erected poles in the terrain, while I took part in transporting poles and material up to them, using the ATW.

Don't know if the project will be completed in its entirety this year – chances are winter will halt the work, but I am sure we will get there and that is what matters.

sincerely 
farm assistant

Hageland 24.nov.2012
last rev: 25.nov.2012