James Farstad Value-Added Networks Subscribe to Newsletter Tell a Friend Print this Page 03/13/2008 Wireless Minneapolis a Growing Source of Promising Practices Minneapolis is on its way to becoming one of the first large cities in the country to implement a comprehensive broadband-wireless network. The network is designed to deliver speeds above 1 Mbps and as high as 3 and 6 Mbps. Early in 2007, the City of Minneapolis entered into a 10-year contract with US Internet Wireless (USIW), a Minnetonka-based company, and the City will become an anchor tenant of a citywide wireless network that will be owned and managed by USIW. Another innovative element the City built into the wireless contract with USIW is a comprehensive set of "community benefits," which goes far beyond what any other city in the country has negotiated. This groundbreaking set of community benefits leverages the success of the network to promote digital inclusion. Key goals of the Digital Inclusion program include the availability of affordable Internet access, low-cost computer hardware and software, the development of relevant local content, and increased computer literacy in communities that are currently underserved by these technologies. Additional community benefits include a free "civic garden," which is a collection of location-based information and Web site links available throughout the city where users can, free of charge, access neighborhood, government, and community information. The wireless network will use more than 2,600 radios, or "Wi-Fi mesh" access points, to cover all 59 square miles of Minneapolis, providing residents, businesses, and visitors with broadband-wireless access anywhere in the city. It will also allow the City of Minneapolis to deliver services more efficiently and effectively than ever before. As an example, the network was used very successfully to support the City’s response to the I-35W bridge collapse in August 2007. The primary construction of the 2.4- and 4.9-GHz wireless network will be completed this March. USIW network installation crews are now active in the sixth and final phase of the project. These teams, in collaboration with the City's Public Works and Xcel Energy personnel, must now address approximately a dozen specific localized areas in the City that have been identified as lacking sufficient approved light poles and/or the electrical connections needed for installation required of radio devices. Therefore, they do not yet have full coverage. The solution to this problem involves the placement of new poles or the modification of existing poles to enable the mounting of approximately 100 remaining devices. Further, effective coverage of High-rise Multiple Dwelling Units is not yet complete above the third floor. This will require additional network access points in privately owned residential buildings as well as the support of individual building owners. USIW is negotiating with building owners and tenant associations to allow for additional equipment to be installed in the buildings. Successful negotiation with building owners will ensure coverage for high-rise tenants in buildings that desire this amenity. As portions of the network were completed, residents and businesses began signing up for wireless accounts with USIW, allowing wireless Internet access anywhere in Minneapolis even while they are on the move. Resident access is offered at a cost of $19.95 a month, and business access is available for $29.95 per month. A wireless modem for indoor use is also available from USIW and can be purchased for $79.95 or rented for $4.95 per month. Additional specialized service packages, including higher-speed levels, are also available for residents, businesses and visitors. The network has been designed to: Support Public Safety Communications Streamline the Delivery of City of Minneapolis Services Accelerate Digital Inclusion Initiatives Introduce New Community Amenities Promote Neighborhood Oriented Economic Development Enable Limited Free Access Provide Neighborhood Civic Garden Portals Enhance the Visitor Experience Some of the key project milestones have included: City and Community Stakeholder analysis Development of a Business Case Design of Service Delivery and Business Models Development of technical specifications and business terms Coordination of community feedback Pilot testing Contract and Community Benefits Agreement negotiation Construction planning and implementation management Ongoing community, business association, City communications   Key project strategies have included: Establishing realistic expectations and managing these expectations in an environment of both great upside potential as well as significant risk. Managing extensive group of stakeholders, new technology, complex construction environments and a large integrated team of participants. Preparing City users with the skills and tools needed to effectively utilize the system. Garnering high level support from Elected Officials, City Executives, Department Heads, Boards and Community leaders. Partnering with business and technical subject matter experts. Develop a flexible, high performance project team. Inspiring and motivating project teams to share the vision, ownership, and understanding of the community benefits. Clear constant communications City of Minneapolis is committed to creating a learning environment and shared understanding of project management across all Departments through the use of case studies. This is the first in a series of informational blogs to illustrate key challenges in community broadband initiatives and will highlight, in retrospect, both effective and ineffective actions that have been taken in one such program. The series will include reflections on the goals and lessons learned from the perspective of elected officials, city executives, network providers, team leaders, and end users. back Related Items: • New York City, Traffic Solution • W2i Finalizes Digital Cities Joint State Briefing Program in Riverside, California • Toronto's Wireless Network Has Fallen Behind • Anaheim's Big Rollout Begins in June • OneZone, Toronto Hydro Telecom, Canada • Riverside `08 Comments No records were found. Post new comment: Only registered users can add comments. Please Log-in

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