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Hello,<br>
<br>
We've now deployed 3 cell sites in the Puget Sound which cover a ton
of area with microwave network service. A 4th one is being built,
albeit more slowly than normal. Anyone in the region can try to use
the network free of charge for digital comms and internet access.<br>
<br>
I've also done a couple talks recently in which I've asked for
support so we may continue what we're doing and make it better over
the upcoming year. So with the spirit of keeping my feelings out of
it as much as I can, here are some basic fundraising facts:<br>
<br>
1) APRS Summer Gathering conference. About 60 people in
attendance. Conference + subjects focused on digital amateur
networking. Total donations raised in the week of Sept 7th-14th? <b>$0</b><br>
<br>
2) ARRL and TAPR Digital Communications Conference. About 150
people in attendance. Conference clearly focused on digital amateur
communications due to its very title. Total donations raised as a
result of the conference? <b>$20</b> That's 13 cents per
attendee. Only 1 guy donated $20 (thanks, guy!).<br>
<br>
98% of our support to date has been from a handful of dedicated
donors. These people cannot support the whole project. We have
about $3500 of debt, which now that it's October, has ceased to be
interest-free. The interest rate is NOT friendly now, either.<br>
<br>
How can this lack of support from the ham community be corrected?<br>
<br>
--Bart<br>
<br>
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