There are a number of groups working together to provide Internet and VoIP telephone connectivity to people affected by Katrina.

CU Wireless, a project of the Urbana-Champaign Independent Media Center, has been helping coordinate project donations and has a mailing list. One group on the ground is Radio Response, an ad-hoc group set up in response to the hurricane. The initial focus was connecting shelters in Northern Louisiana, but now the group has moved south and is currently staging in Ponchatoula, Louisiana. According to Aleks Clark (aka Sweeper), Radio Response has connected shelters in Taluah, Oakridge, Delhi, Bascin, and a number other sites via wireless. They have set up 6 backhaul links and connected at least 15 shelters using VoIP phones routed by Chilitech. Radio Response is working on getting a site in King’s Camp connected to a VSAT rig. Front Range Internet, Inc. has supplied VoIP phones and ATAs currently in use at the Radio Response staging area in Ponchatoula.

¶ Monday, September 19, 2005