International eduroam Internet Access Now Active at Big Heavy World

UVM student Brynn Hutchins helped the crew establish the Big Heavy World eduroam location. Photo by James Lockridge/Big Heavy World.

Museum Visitors and Students from participating colleges have instant secure internet access at Vermont’s volunteer-run music office

BURLINGTON May 12, 2022: eduroam is a secure, world-wide single sign-on roaming access service developed for the international research and education community. Big Heavy World — Vermont’s volunteer-run independent music office and home of the Tiny Museum of Vermont Music History — is now participating in the eduroam service, allowing students, researchers, and volunteer staff to access the internet using credentials provided by their own schools or institutions.

eduroam first started in Europe; it is available in over 100 countries worldwide and at more than 2,500 locations in the United States. It’s based on secure encryption and authentication standards and has better security than most commercial hotspots. eduroam works by allowing any user from an eduroam participating site to gain network access at any institution connected to eduroam. An eduroam advisory group helps the Internet2 consortium formulate strategies and practices for US and global research and education roaming networks.

Bob Colquhoun, volunteering as Chief Engineer and Technologist at Big Heavy World, says, “We seek out emerging technologies to help serve Vermont’s music community. Creating roaming internet access for visitors and the volunteer crew at Big Heavy World is an example of how collaborative initiatives can be a powerful resource.” Colquhoun and volunteer Jason Baker, a local musician, configured the eduroam infrastructure. 

Educational institutions in Vermont that use eduroam include the University of Vermont, Champlain College, St. Michael’s College, and Middlebury College. Many of the volunteers at Big Heavy World participate as college students. Their internet access at Big Heavy World is made instant and secure via eduroam. eduroam is a registered trademark of the GÉANT Association; Big Heavy World is independent of GÉANT.

About Big Heavy World: Big Heavy World is an independent, nonprofit volunteer-run music office serving the state of Vermont. Founded in 1996, it has leveraged a technology-heavy D.I.Y. ethic and inclusive philosophy to support musicians and advance the music sector, preserve Vermont’s music legacy, and empower young adults in an environment that focuses their passions and intellect. The organization was selected by an international jury to receive the 2020 Music Cities ‘Best Global Music Office Award.’ Its programs are supported in 2022 by the National Endowment for the Arts; the Institute of Museum and Library Services; the USDA; U.S. Department of State; Vermont Arts Council and Vermont Humanities. bigheavyworld.com