BendBroadband is the cable TV, high-speed Internet and digital phone service provider in Central Oregon. Their slogan is “We’re the local dog. We better be good.” As a family business for 55 years, BendBroadband not only provides service for both consumers and businesses in less densely populated areas, but also places significant importance on being environmentally friendly. The Connectivist took the trip out West to visit BendBroadband and find out just what they were doing to make the Internet smarter and greener.
With new, more advanced technology comes more computers and more data. As a result, BendBroadband is focused on reducing their carbon footprint and the long-term energy consumption of data centers. From using roofing covered with solar panels to old denim for insulation to rain water for cooling, BendBroadband ranks alongside some of the greenest buildings in the country.
CEO Amy Tykeson has succeeded in evolving her family business into one of the most innovative and forward-thinking companies in the cable and broadband industry. As Vice President of BendBroadband, Michael Wynschenk put it, “This is not about rushing to make an earnings report. This is about doing the right thing.”