Apparatus, system, and method for wide area networking through a last mile infrastructure having a different primary purpose and apparatus and method for electronic scoring, score reporting, and broadcasting

Abstract

A system for electronic scoring and score reporting of a sporting event wherein an electronic scorebook is connected to an electronic scoreboard and electronic storage of the scoring information is provided. In one embodiment, a network is used, sending or receiving information to or from the scorebook, the scoreboard or the electronic storage. In other embodiments, the Internet is used as a conduit to communicate to and from the location of sports field lighting, to control operation of the lighting, or monitor the lighting or other events at the location. The network can also be used for last mile connectivity of end users to the Internet, and to compile information from sporting events at the locations and allow access to information about the game via the Internet.

1 - 7 . (canceled)  
     
     
         8 : A method of providing high speed Internet access to a plurality of geographical areas comprising: 
 utilizing existing or newly constructed members for elevating lights to elevate a wireless transceiver;    rating a communications link between the wireless transceiver and the Internet;    operating the wireless transceiver as an Internet hub for wireless Internet communications to a range of locations relative to the wireless transceiver.    
     
     
         9 - 40 . (canceled)  
     
     
         41 : A method of providing high speed Internet access to a plurality of geographical areas comprising: 
 utilizing existing or newly constructed structures for elevating lights to elevate a wireless transceiver;    creating a communications link between the wireless transceiver and the Internet; and    operating the wireless transceiver as an Internet hub for wireless Internet communications to a range of locations relative to the wireless transceiver.    
     
     
         42 : The method of  claim 41  further comprising: 
 sending Internet communications over the communications link to the wireless receiver for controlling the lights.    
     
     
         43 : The method of  claim 41  further comprising: 
 sending Internet communications over the communications link from the wireless receiver containing the state of the lights.    
     
     
         44 : The method of  claim 41  wherein the lights are sports field lights associated with a sports field.  
     
     
         45 : The method of  claim 44  further comprising sending sports information associated with the sports field over the communications link.  
     
     
         46 : The method of  claim 45  wherein the sports information is selected from the set comprising sports scores, player information, team information, sports statistics, and sports updates.