Wireless WashtenawPre-Proposal Conference

December 14, 2005

Agenda

I.  Welcome- David Behen, Director Information Technology

II. Why Partner with Washtenaw County?

III. Wireless Washtenaw Project Update- James McFarlane, Project Manager

IV. Q & A- Uma Harithsa, Manager of Applied Technology

Why Partner with Washtenaw?

• Washtenaw is a leader in “innovation”– Development of SPARK– Enhances our reputation as a high-tech, innovative community– Establishing a network infrastructure– USA Today Technology Article

• Wireless Washtenaw 2007– Streamlined access to assets– Core anchor tenants– Marketing/Advertising

• Collaboration is Key– Collaboration makes possible significant community impact– Government, education and business

• A Public/Private Partnership is Critical

The Vision

To provide citizens and visitors a pleasant, seamless wireless Internet experience.Wireless Washtenaw

Objectives

“Wireless high speed internet access for Washtenaw County equally available in urban, suburban and rural settings in 2007.”

To provide a blend of “free” and “for fee” services.

To serve as a model for other communities.

To be a model of cooperation and collaboration between government, business and education

To support economic development and improve the quality of life in Washtenaw County.

Collaborators

State Legislation

• House Bill 5237 – Signed Nov 21, 2005– Section 252(4): A public entity shall not

establish a board or other entity for the purpose of providing regulation of a provider of services

• Impact on Wireless Washtenaw– Washtenaw County holds contracts– Stakeholder Board will make project

recommendations

Key Milestones

• Master Participation Agreement –Dec/Jan

• Pilot applications received– City of Ann Arbor; City of Ypsilanti (with

Eastern Michigan University); Salem Township; Southwestern Washtenaw Council of Governments; Superior Township; Village of Dexter; Washtenaw County

Market Research

• Over 3500 survey responses received through mailing, online surveys and community events.

• Results are favorable• 96% willing to use a wireless network• 50% already possess wireless equipment• 76% expressed a willingness to pay for premium

service if the packages are acceptable• 38% currently use dial up

2006 Timelines

• MPA Due – January 2006• RFP Due – January 17th, 2006 by 3:00 p.m. EST• RFP Evaluation – January/February• Selection of Provider(s) – March 2006• Pilot Deployment – April through June 2006• Pilot Evaluation – June 2006• Contract Awarded – July 2006

Contact Information

Contacts: David BehenDirector of Information TechnologyWashtenaw County734-222-6512

Project Managers:James McFarlaneWashtenaw County IT734-222-6587

Uma HarithsaWashtenaw County IT734-222-3578

http://wireless.ewashtenaw.org

Q & A