Wifi Revolution

Internet Service Provider 20/20 Communications of Ann Arbor, Michigan, is reportedly using Siemens (News - Alert) solutions and services on the “Wireless Washtenaw” project in Michigan’s Washtenaw County.

The project has been developed by the County officials in an effort to bring wireless broadband service to all areas of the county, especially to suburban and rural residents who could only access the Internet using slower-speed dialup connections.

As part of a pilot program Siemens and 20/20 have begun installing wireless infrastructure in Ann Arbor, Saline. The county officials expect the pilot to pave the way for full-scale deployment of services in 2007.

According to Dana Rasmussen, president, Sales and Services, Siemens Communications Inc., this pioneering effort to provide a convenient, openly mobile and secure wireless Internet experience to everyone in the community regardless of their geographic location or economic status is of great importance to Siemens.

Rasmussen believes Wireless Washtenaw will improve the quality of life and support economic growth in Washtenaw County, while serving as a model for other communities to follow.

While the basic wireless Internet access is free for people in the County, higher-speed access is available for a fee. Wireless Washtenaw was developed and funded without the use of public tax dollars. The project was spearheaded by the Deputy Administrator of Washtenaw County, David Behen, and a consortium of local stakeholders, universities, and government representatives.

Behen said in a press release that partnering with 20/20 Communications and Siemens puts their community at the forefront of creating the “new” Michigan.

Both companies are providing a turnkey solution, with 20/20 owning and operating the network, and Siemens serving as equipment vendor, system integrator, and services provider.

A high-performance wireless mesh network will be installed by Siemens and 20/20 Communications, which enables openly mobile wireless network coverage in rural areas where traditional wireless services have been previously too difficult or costly to provide.

Siemens Communications will actively manage and monitor the health of the network around the clock throughout the year to ensure maximum performance and system availability. Additionally, it will provide analysis and make recommendations for enhancements to ensure ongoing success.

Moreover, customer service/support will also be provided by Siemens Communications to present a consistent, high quality end-user experience. 20/20 Communications is leveraging Siemens managed services to minimize the costs associated with operating and supporting the Washtenaw County regional wireless mesh network.

“Wireless Washtenaw is a thriving initiative for one important reason: community partnership,” said Jeff Irwin, chair of the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners.

He continued: “20/20 Communications and Siemens have helped set the standard for cooperation with their contribution to the success of this initiative.”

20/20 Communications is a large, private ISP in Michigan and the largest provider of Wireless Internet Service in Southeast Michigan.

Siemens AG is one of the largest global electronics and engineering companies with reported worldwide sales of $96 billion in fiscal 2005.

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Anuradha Shukla is a contributing editor for TMCnet, covering call centers, CRM and information technology. To see more of her articles, please visit her columnist page.

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