The Future Impact of Wireless Michigan Digital Government Summit October 14, 2004, Lansing Center Presenters: –Tom McQuillan Director of Information Technology City of Grand Rapids –Viji Murali Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer Western Michigan University –Jamie D. Walker Partner Accenture

"That Xbox your son has his hands on is seventeen thousand times faster than the computer on the Apollo Command Module that guided Neil Armstrong to the moon." Michael K Powell, Chairman, Federal Communications Commission December 18, 2003

Why Wireless? Need to move information quickly and efficiently Standard for business A commodity required by a high percentage of the population.

Broadband access... is becoming viewed as vital infrastructure is necessary to sustain & foster economic growth. must be reliable and affordable

Broadband access is critical to... education business healthcare government community services

Types of Wireless Technology

Wireless Technologies Strengths & Weaknesses

What is Wi-Fi? Wireless Fidelity, or Wi-Fi, is a wireless mode of connecting computers and other mobile devices to networks and to broadband data communications (the Internet). Wi-Fi operates in the 2.4 and 5.6 GHz radio frequency – spectrums that are unregulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). There are currently four specifications in the family: , a, b, and g.

Why Wi-Fi? Wi-Fi is fast becoming the method of choice for a number of reasons, including: –bandwidth –coverage –scalability –security –mobility –application utilization

WiMAX (802.16) A new and yet non-standardized wireless Its coverage and bandwidth potential is greater than that of Wi-Fi WiMAX supports up to 75M bit/sec of shared bandwidth

WiMAX (con’t) Cell size of three to five miles from base It's a potential alternative to DSL, cable modem, and T-1 services Early standard-compliant products are due out this year.

How does Wi-Fi Work? Access points are supplied with broadband and network access via wired connections to an Internet Service Provider (ISP). Access points can be combined into a "mesh network" to provide mobile connectivity anywhere in the coverage area. Access points in a Mesh network do not need to be mounted on towers, they can be placed on light poles or buildings.

How does Wi-Fi Work ( Continued) Access points can even be mounted on city vehicles so that the vehicle becomes part of the mesh network providing connectivity anywhere within a 300-foot radius of the vehicle. Once Wi-Fi units are installed, they create a self- organized and self-healing wireless mesh. Some, but not all, access points must include a high-capacity connection to the Internet. Most only require access to a power source readily available on existing light poles. Wireless access can be rolled out as units are installed.

Wi-Fi Applications Improve public safety Increase operational efficiencies Enhance service to citizens and visitors Expand economic development Reduce digital divide

Wi-Fi Applications (Continued) Strengthen neighborhoods/quality of life/cool cities Enhance educational opportunities Serve community groups and non- profits Advance health care Assist mass transportation Encourage tourism and convention business

Business or Funding Models If a wireless network is to be pursued, city leadership must decide on the most appropriate business model for the best possible service delivery.

Business/ Funding Models Six Options: Government Owned & Operated Government Owned/Privately Operated Joint Authority Operated Non-Profit Owned & Operated Non-Profit owned & Privately Operated Privately Owned & Operated with Revenue Sharing

Potential Partners Potential partner interest will depend on many variables, such as:  the type of network chosen  its coverage area  mobility, capabilities  cost  business model selected

 The State, County, and other municipalities  The Education Community  The Health Community  Mass Transit Authority  Neighborhood Organizations  Chamber of Commerce Potential partners may include:

Potential partners Continued...  Downtown Development Authority  Van Andel Arena  DeVos Place  SmartZone Authority  Banks & Corporations  Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and other wireless services