With networks in 33 markets covering more than 370 cities and towns in the United States, this is the first time that Clearwire has partnered with a municipality to build a network of this type. Clearwire's network in Grand Rapids is also expected to include WiMAX/Wi-Fi hybrid hot spots that involve the placement of numerous Wi-Fi hotspots in strategic locations throughout the city. However, of special interest is that the city has mainly opted for WiMAX rather than Wi-Fi for its citywide network.
George K. Heartwell, Grand Rapids' mayor stated: "We are pleased and proud that Grand Rapids and Clearwire are working together to bring high-speed wireless Internet services to our community. Clearwire provides its services in other cities, but, Grand Rapids is the first city to enter into this type of relationship with the company."
Kurt F. Kimball, Grand Rapids' city manager said, "Clearwire's solution uses technology that the city believes is cost effective and sustainable. It will serve the city, its businesses, residents, and visitors for an extended period. We are excited to partner with Clearwire for its expertise and experience in designing, developing and implementing wireless broadband networks, and we are extremely confident that this partnership will exceed the city's requirements."
Harry P. Dolan, Grand Rapids' police chief added, "Public Safety is the primary reason that the city sought wireless broadband service. Clearwire intends to offer coverage throughout the city. We are confident that Clearwire service will accommodate the city's public safety requirements including real-time video streaming and photo transfer for police and fire vehicles going up to 70 miles per hour."
The city also expects that deployment of the robust Clearwire WIMAX network will provide an economic development tool to attract and retain business, reduce the digital divide, improve city service delivery and reduce the cost of government, facilitate wireless technology use for citizens and visitors, and create a seamless wireless infrastructure to attract and retain young professionals; all without a burden on taxpayers.
Scott Buhrer, the city's chief financial officer said, "In keeping with the city's commitment to do this 'at no burden to the taxpayer,' Clearwire has agreed to immediately reimburse city its expenditure to research technologies and solicit proposals. Additionally, Clearwire will pay established asset lease fees and has agreed to a cost-neutral arrangement whereby the cost of public safety and other municipal wireless broadband services will be offset by asset lease payments and additional partnership fees granted by Clearwire to the city."
In a program designed to provide digital inclusion, Clearwire will provide discounted service of $9.95 per month to up to 5% of the total household count in Grand Rapids for qualifying low-income citizens to be administered by a non-profit agency yet to be determined. To better serve visitors and occasional users, free Wi-Fi hot spots will be provided throughout the city for visitors and occasional users.
Tom McQuillan, the city's information technology director said: "Just over two years ago, a city team began researching wireless broadband technology. The goal was to leverage the government's infrastructure to partner with private providers, community institutions, businesses, and community organizations to develop a community wireless broadband network."
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Photo by Terry Johnston. Creative Commons License Attribution 2.0.
