Additional Resources
Communication
The communication network includes:
Broad Band/Fiber Optics
Oakridge is located on the West Coast’s main fiber optics lines which are routed through our city. There are three points of presence along Highway 58, including two Tier One Carrier regeneration facilities in the industrial park, and one local carrier with 10 Gigabit Ethernet transport capacity under construction.
Century Link Telephone
Century Link (formerly Qwest) is the telephone and high speed DSL provider to the area. The main switchgear is hooked up to a self healing fiber ring which assures excellent on line time. Plans to upgrade the service area with fiber optics will assure even faster internet service in the future.
Verizon
Verizon has an antenna on the cell tower located in the Oakridge Industrial Park to provide voice, data and broadband coverage for Verizon Wireless 3G and Verizon Wireless 1X.
AT&T
AT&T has an antenna on the tower at the Industrial Park to provide voice and data services.
Satellite Internet
Because Century Link’s DSL and Verizon Cell service does not reach all homes because of distance and mountain limitations, a small minority use this service.
Development
Fiber-optic development in Oakridge is underway. Within six months, all government buildings and schools will have fiber-optic access. The construction for this access includes installation of a multi-strand fiber infrastructure, which would be available for other connections, and will be connected to the 10 Gigabit Ethernet system.Oakridge is in the process of exploring expansion opportunities by working with local and regional businesses and communities to explore cost-efficient expansion. Oakridge will continue collaborating with respective businesses until the city has complete access. Once the managing company is in place access to businesses and private citizens can contract for connectivity.
Advertisement
Local businesses have many modes and resources in place for advertising through multiple communication channels. Access to numerous radio, television, and newsprint outlets provides businesses with the ability to tap into local and regional markets with relative ease. Oakridge carries thirteen regional AM radio stations-- eight of which are currently running at 50Kw, the highest FCC allowable signal with the longest range. Accessible markets include Portland, Eugene, and Bend, Oregon. Additionally, twenty FM radio stations are in the area. Television market areas are also varied in Oakridge. Although there is not an Oakridge news outlet, several are in nearby Eugene. Major network providers include ABC©, CBS©, FOX©, NBC©, and PBS©.
The Dead Mountain Echo, Oakridge’s local newspaper, has a weekly distribution to 445 local residents. Additional newspapers include Eugene’s Register Guard with circulation to approximately 70,000 residents a day, the University of Oregon’s Daily Emerald with circulation to 10,000 students and locals, and the Eugene Weekly with circulation to 25,000. Businesses, therefore, have many accessible ways to communicate their services and products with local and regional economies.
Social Media
Oakridge is currently tapping into the growing industry of social media which allows businesses to interact with potential customers and residents quickly at little cost. Oakridge is developing a city Facebook page, twitter account, and other social media tools to allow businesses and citizens to interact. Residents and businesses will be able to share information, promote events and social gatherings, and build relationships inside and outside Oakridge. Additionally, the city is developing a system of communication to guide entrepreneurs, prospective businesses, industry, and residents to access answers to business development questions.
Social events enabling communication include various mountain biking festivals, Oakridge Tree Planting Festival, an active church community, gardening clubs, civic organizations, volunteer opportunities, and networking. Oakridge is supportive of these and other public activities that allow friends, families, and businesses to interact. Prospective businesses and entrepreneurs can easily participate in these activities and access potential customers. Oakridge also boasts a tight knit community where friendships are very important thus creating a dedicated populace that business can rely on for support.
