Wifi Revolution

The City of Anchorage, Alaska on Monday invited telecom companies to submit proposals for the financing, development and operation of a wireless network.

 

The city’s request for proposals (RFP) is designed to set in motion the deployment of a network capable of providing universal, affordable wireless access for all of Anchorage’s visitors and roughly 270,951 residents (2003 estimate).

 

“Anchorage is one of America’s most computer-literate cities, so it makes sense to take the next giant step toward a wireless city,” said Mayor Mark Begich, in a statement. “We expect this to be wildly popular with residents and the thousands of visitors who come to our community each year.”

 

To make the wireless initiative a success, the city assembled a panel of technology and real estate experts who will review proposals and select a company that achieves the highest score based on a standard rating system.

 

The Anchorage Assembly will then have to approve the winner before said company is invited to enter into an exclusive lease agreement to use city-owned light poles, buildings and other properties to deploy network equipment.

 

In its announcement, the city said it expects the network will be developed in phased stages, starting with coverage of the downtown area by mid-summer, 2007. Subsequent phases will extend coverage to other areas of Anchorage, including Bowl, Eagle River, Chugiak, and Girdwood.

 

Anchorage’s announcement highlighted several key goals and advantages that a wireless network will provide, including:

The city’s Information Technology Department is spearheading the project, and will be accepting proposals through January 18, 2007.

 

===============================================================

===============================================================

 

Back to WiFi Revolution home