Free Bandwith And Community Content

Free bandwidth and community content? Easton's locals want it all.

Ed Mitchell 24/03/03

Since the last feature on BBC Bristol, the 'Community Local Area Network' (CLAN) has been busy completing the first stage of its community project in Easton.

Using recycled computers and software that is freely available on the Internet, the voluntary group have created a wireless digital neighbourhood (really a computer network via radio) in Easton.

Anyone in the area can now get Internet access and share local information, much as you would in an office. Unlike offices however, the group is actively encouraging everyone to use its Internet connection and exchange information. It is similar to CB radio in that everyone can join in and communicate. This is not restricted to home computer users; you can surf the web in the pub and still get a faster connection than over a normal phone line.

The group had to build this wireless network themselves because no-one else had previously done it; the CLAN is not solely technical however. Now that the experimental technology is working and the model is proving robust, the project is moving into stage two.

Having built and tested the network, the group are developing it into a free technical model that will expand across Bristol and be applicable elsewhere in the world. The CLAN is also using the technology and shared experience to enable local residents to create its own 'community content'.

Currently applying for a neighbourhood regeneration grant from the EU, the group is looking for an office to set up a fully equipped audio-visual studio. Once this is complete, the doors will be open to local residents to make their own video or audio programmes, web pages, run IT courses, broadcast DJs, or anything else they can think of.

This will not be dictated from above: the fundamental principle is to give residents control of what they create and consume in a self-regulating and educational environment. This may be to do with art, politics, music, local discussion groups, multi-player online games or videos of school plays. As long as it comes from the community, the CLAN will be happy.

19 Mar 2003