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05/31/2007EarthLink’s Gulf States Manager: Q&A with Steve Powell
Steve Powell joined EarthLink Municipal Networks (EMN) this spring as General Manager for the Gulf States. In this role, Powell oversees three of EarthLink’s most important agreements: Houston, New Orleans and Corpus Christi. A long-time Houston resident, Powell has more than a decade of experience in telecommunications and networking. W2i: Steve, what has it been like managing Houston, EarthLink’s most ambitious effort geographically, along with the two smaller cities where APs were already mounted?
Powell: The three networks are similar, yet different in many ways, so the challenges are substantial and at the same time rewarding. For example, the Corpus Christi system is the largest operational system in North America covering almost 150 square miles, built to serve the utilities as part of a meter-reading project. Since EarthLink began working in the City earlier this year, the system has been transformed from communicating with fixed assets into a vibrant mobile operation serving government workers, businesses and individuals.
New Orleans is a smaller footprint at about 20 square miles, operating on both sides of the Mississippi River. The needs are tremendous in the city following the devastation from Hurricane Katrina, and communications plays a strong role in the ongoing recovery. With hurricane season starting officially this week on June 1, infrastructure needs and reliability of communications are in the forefront of everyone’s minds.
Houston is at the starting gate and will become North America’s largest deployed network at completion in 2009. The size and scope of building out up to 600 square miles with a tight deadline brings a sharp focus to our activities every day. We have a preliminary buildout plan in place with support from the City Project Team. And we are already engaged with the City to bring Digital Inclusion to the many communities across the region. I’m excited to be a part of the team as these networks are developed and deployed.
W2i: The free Wi-Fi period in Corpus Christi ends today [May 31, 2007]. What rates will users be charged, and are they the same as in New Orleans or Anaheim? That is, do pricing structures vary by city and demographics?
Powell: The pricing structure is standardized across the country and is priced attractively in the market. One of the benefits of this standardization allows a customer to pay one monthly fee and use the service in any City that enjoys EarthLink Municipal Wi-Fi. Customers traveling from Corpus Christi to New Orleans to Philadelphia are able to log in wherever the service is offered, with new cities coming on line as our buildouts continue. We offer a variety of plans including Digital Inclusion programs, short-term usage, or monthly subscriptions. These fees range from $3.95 for one-hour service, say while you are waiting at the airport, up to $21.95 per month for unlimited use.
W2i: Corpus Christi’s sale of its network was quite remarkable, especially because this could mean giving up considerable freedom over operations. Will the city still “get a say” about how the network is used?
Powell: Yes. We work closely with the City and Development Corporation on a variety of issues, such as the portal page and associated links. We want to make sure that the information and the untethered experience we provide to the visitors and residents of Corpus Christi is relevant and timely. Working with our partners at the City allows us to get that important feedback. We also rely on the City for input into the continued strengthening of the network that supports all customers, but particularly the Corpus Christi government workers, allowing them to do their job wherever they may be. For example, we’ll work with the City to offer additional coverage into the interior of a building, such as the Convention Center, in order for their entertainers to stay connected. It’s good for the City and its facilities, and it’s good for EarthLink as we reach customers who need portability.
W2i: On the surface, New Orleans seems somewhat similar to Corpus Christi in that a downtown network was already in place when EarthLink arrived. As of this writing, how much of that footprint has EarthLink added to?
Powell: In New Orleans, we did not acquire the City’s existing network. EarthLink actually overbuilt the City’s network with newer wireless hardware to provide the most robust network possible. There are potential plans for a second phase to expand the network. However, mounting asset agreements need to be in place first.
W2i: The Houston rollout is expected to begin as early as this July, and by late 2009 would cover up to 600 square miles, or about five times the size of the Philadelphia. Some have argued that, at that scale, the City really should be building the network as a public utility. To what extent are the expectations placed on EarthLink similar to those placed on a utility, and is this a help or hindrance?
Powell: There are similarities because the City is our largest customer. We are building the network to serve the City and its citizens within the boundaries of the city limits. However, we don’t have the regulations and oversight upon us as you would find with a utility. That environment can lead to simply complying with a contract and meeting the letter of the agreement, instead of working in cooperation to provide a valuable service that is enjoyed by citizens and visitors to Houston. The belief is that we are creating a model for the future of what a private corporation and a public entity can do together. That requires a spirit of cooperation that goes beyond the legal language of a contract. In Houston, we are fortunate to have a Mayor and Project Team who are focused on the task at hand, meeting commitments, accountable for the milestones, and are working well together to make this a success.
W2i: Houston can watch what works or doesn’t work in Philadelphia — for example, with free or subsidized access to low-income neighborhoods as well as training and computers for residents. Will you serve as a messenger to Houston about lessons learned in Philadelphia, or will the plan there take its own course?
Powell: Lessons learned in any city are important as we deploy networks. We are on a tight timeline in Houston, and we need every advantage we can get to meet that future date. There is a really good staff at the City of Houston who understands the needs of the various communities. Programs are well under way to meet the needs of this diverse body, and EarthLink is participating by attending these community meetings and sponsoring events that put us in contact with the community leaders and citizens. Education, partnerships and understanding the cultural values of each community will drive the solutions we bring to the City as we strive to bridge the digital divide. We do not offer a free subscription service in Houston as part of our Digital Inclusion program; however, it is about half the cost of our published price.
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