The Personal Telco Project needs YOU!
The Personal Telco Project is a Portland-based 501(c)(3) non-profit that got started in the year 2000 as a way to empower people to build wireless networks that benefit their communities. We have been working non-stop since then.
The Personal Telco Project is a volunteer-based organization that normally has very limited costs, and consequently as very limited financial needs. We don’t usually ask for money. However, we are embarking on a project to upgrade some of the networking gear we use at PTP nodes, and we are looking to users and other Friends of Personal Telco as a way to fund that upgrade.
Long ago we received a donation of discarded personal computers, which we have used as routers in many of our hotspots. The routers provide a means for us to administer the nodes remotely minimizing downtime, communicate with node users about the project, and deal with the occasional network abusers. These recycled PC’s were a good choice at the time, in that they cost us nothing and did a useful job. However, these computers have moving parts that wear out. Furthermore they are bulky and consume about 60W of electricity, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
We have identified a replacement device that is much more compact, has no moving parts, is about twice as capable and uses only about 5W of electric power. The only downside is that it is not free. In a bulk purchase, each one will cost about $175 to put together.
Initially, we’d like to buy 30 of these devices, which will total a bit over $5,000, and completely replace all of the existing recycled PC routers.
We’d like *YOU* to help raise that money.
So far, we’ve raised over $1000. If you can afford $20, $50, $100 or more, we’d sure appreciate it, you’ll help an organization that makes your life better and help us to make this upgrade a reality. And you’ll be helping to save some salmon or reduce global warming a little bit with lower electricity usage. Your contribution is tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. And there is still time to donate before the end of the 2008 tax year!
You can make your donation by paypal here:
http://personaltelco.net/donate
Or you can mail a check to us at:
Personal Telco Project, Inc.
P.O. Box 12314
Portland, Oregon 97212
Thanks!
