This week we caught up with local computer guru Jake Fyalka about some of his experiences operating as an essential service during both Level 4 and Level 3.
As we go into week 2 of Level 3, access to technology and the web is incredibly important as a means of staying connected to the rest of the community, and the world.As an essential service provider, what kinds of issues have you fixed over the past couple of weeks during lockdown?
Yes. During Level 4 we helped businesses get back online and work remotely. We set up multiple office 365 domains and a couple gsuites as well. To be honest helping businesses has been pretty seamless. Everyone that we have worked with has been patient, understanding and receptive to new ideas.
We had a couple of close calls, like BP’s internet going down which we fixed remotely, but for the most part it was business as usual. Also, we gave out over a thousand dollars in cabling to companies and users that needed it for connectivity without charge as getting people back up and running as soon as possible is in our best interests at Raglan Computer Services.
Are you aware of anyone providing free access to the internet for vulnerable members of our society?
Wanna and Skinny have amazing offers, Jason at Wanna has bent over backwards for everyone in the Raglan community and should be thanked when this is all over. His network has helped thousands of kiwis that wouldn’t be able to get net otherwise.
Skinny’s 5 dollar a month modem is a godsend for some families and means that almost everyone has a chance to get online. Five dollars isn’t free but its as close as you get.
Do you think there needs to be more action taken to address the digital divide?
Yes. I think that internet has become a human right. I think everyone should have the ability to connect to the internet somehow. But, with the five dollar skinny setup, the free unlimited data caps from providers, and people like Jason at Wann, we are close.
I think as a country we have done an amazing job at getting the best out of what we have.
Top 5 binge watch shows to cure lockdown boredom:
Survivor: I have watched five seasons of survivor while on lockdown. I love the dynamics of it.
The Last Dance: Best sports documentary I’ve ever seen. If you haven’t watched it and you like basketball at all – its worth it. There’s nothing like it
Westworld: Season 3 is nuts, the storytelling is up there with Game of Thrones
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The Wire: Best cop show ever made. I’ve been rewatching it from the start.
Beastie Boys Story: Apple did a doco on the Beastie Boys and it’s so damn good. If you love old hip hop, this is a behind-the-scenes look at the Beastie Boys. A GEM of a doco.
