The following is a discussion between councilman Drew Nielsen and myself.<\/p>\n
\n>> >> *From:* C.J. Adams-Collier [mailto:cjcollier@colliertech.org]\n>> >> *Sent:* Mon 2\/6\/2006 10:19 PM *To:* Drew Nielsen *Subject:*\n>> >> Community Access Wireless Network\n> >\n>> >> Hello Drew,\n> >\n>> >> I got your name from _____. She tells me that you are\n>> >> involved in an effort to decide the direction of a community\n>> >> access wireless network in downtown Everett. I have some\n>> >> experience \"in the trenches\" as it were that I would be happy to\n>> >> provide to the council.\n> >\n>> >> Let me know if I may be of any help,\n> >\n>> >> C.J.\n> >\n> >\n>> >> -- \n>> >> http:\/\/cjcollier.livejournal.com\/tag\/ +1 206 226 5809\n\n\n\n> > Drew Nielsen wrote:\n>> >> Community Access Wireless Network C.J.,\n> >\n>> >> The Council's Technology Committee is exploring ad-supported\n>> >> wi-fi provided free to Everett residents. Antennas would be\n>> >> attached to street-light support arms and would draw power from\n>> >> the photoelectric cell that controls the light. The light\n>> >> support arm is owned by the PUD, which also owns the lights,\n>> >> lenses and photoelectric cells, so a wi-fi provider needs to have\n>> >> the permission of the PUD, not the City, to attach its antennas\n>> >> to the poles.\n> >\n>> >> The PUD is willing in principle to enter into a Master License\n>> >> Agreement allowing the placement of equipment on the poles. The\n>> >> rate charged for communications equipment is regulated (I?m not\n>> >> sure by whom). The PUD requires conformance with standards such\n>> >> that plugging equipment into the photoelectric cell will not void\n>> >> the manufacturer?s warranty for the cell. At this point we know\n>> >> of one company, MetroFi, which is interested in Everett. MetroFi\n>> >> is currently doing its feasibility research. Since the\n>> >> pole-attachment agreement would be between the provider and the\n>> >> PUD there was consensus of the Technology Committee that the City\n>> >> should engage in an economic development effort, where the City\n>> >> sets out to attract a wi-fi provider to Everett by providing\n>> >> assistance and support, just as we do with many other companies\n>> >> considering a presence in Everett. MetroFi would not target\n>> >> downtown, but the proximity of residences might mean that there\n>> >> would be coverage there.\n> >\n>> >> I'd be interested if you have any information that would be\n>> >> helpful in this process.\n> >\n>> >> Drew Nielsen\n> >\n>> >> Everett City Council\n\n\n> > *From:* C.J. Adams-Collier [mailto:cjcollier@colliertech.org]\n> > *Sent:* Tue 2\/7\/2006 11:10 AM *To:* Drew Nielsen *Subject:* Re:\n> > Community Access Wireless Network\n> >\n> > Drew,\n> >\n> > This email was very educational, thank you.\n> >\n> > My thoughts are that the residents of the city of Everett (or the\n> > population of Snohomish County by way of the PUD) should own the\n> > WiFi infrastructure and not the telecommunication industry. I\n> > think that the funds set aside to pay MetroFi's fees would be\n> > better used to organize a board of Everett residents (ie, a WiFi\n> > task force) as network policy and use administrators. I would not\n> > like to see Everett's potential for a Community Access Network\n> > privatized. This is especially true if the city can, with the help\n> > of residents, build an equal or better infrastructure.\n> >\n> > The technical details are spot on, and it seems that you have some\n> > very capable people already working with the City on this project.\n> > I would like to know a bit about what wireless hardware is being\n> > considered, and how much transparency the network administrators\n> > expect to share with the City and the PUD.\n> >\n> > Do I have your permission to make this conversation public record?\n> >\n> > Thank you,\n> >\n> > C.J.\n\n\nDrew Nielsen wrote:\n> > Re: Community Access Wireless Network C.J.,\n> >\n> > I have no objection to your sharing this communication with anyone\n> > you wish.\n> >\n> > Let me clarify that MetroFi -- if that is who we end up dealing\n> > with -- would not be paid any fee nor would the City of Everett\n> > spend any money. That is why the City Council is exploring\n> > advertising supported wi-fi. No wi-fi provider would have\n> > exclusive rights to use the power poles, so another company could\n> > also enter into a Master Licensing Agreement with the PUD.\n> >\n> > What I can tell you about the hardware is that it uses 802.11x\n> > technology with a range of about 500 feet in diameter. It would\n> > likely require about 300 antennas to reach most of the residences\n> > in the City.\n> >\n> > I've now told you pretty much everything I know at this early\n> > point.\n> >\n> > Drew Nielsen\n\nThank you! I will share this information with some of my compatriots\nand see if we can provide any useful recommendations.\n\nCheers,\n\nC.J.\n\n<\/pre>\n\n