SWCC Communication Committee Meeting

Meeting Minutes

May 3, 2012, 3:00 to 4:00pm

Present: John Boutet, Marian Boutet, Joan Roby-Davison, Frontier Reps: Rob Toscano, Tarak Bolt, John Laurini

Excused: Eleanor Coleman, Dawn Noto

Discussion:

Tarak distributed the proposal for a wireless (WiFi) network in the south west quadrant, with cost estimate totals for installation and operation. The map to the left which Rob Toscano subsequently emailed us at our request shows the area that would be covered. This is the map that the cost calculations were done for.

The area includes SWAN, most of PLEX and most of COTS

The map  to the left differs from the one we were shown at the meeting which included part of the 19th Ward but not COTS but this is probably a better selection to cover low income areas.

Coverage is likely to extend to the southeast side of S. Plymouth but uncertain how much further.

NETWORK OVERVIEW:

• Frontier Communications will provide industry standard 802.11 b/g/n wireless service to a portion of the public areas of the South West Quadrant in Rochester, NY.

• Frontier's service will be compatible with Wi-Fi certified end user devices and will provide up to 1 Mbps symmetrical service to each user.
• Users will connect to the service via a captive portal page that will require acceptance of Frontier's acceptable use policy.
• Since this will be an open authentication network, no user ID or passwords will be required for connectivity.
• Frontier will provide all materials and equipment for the service and will provide 24x7x365 monitoring and maintenance.
• End user support will be provided by Frontier's Internet Help Desk.

NETWORK DESIGN:

• Network is comprised of 21 Tropos 6320 access points (all dots), providing 1 Mbps of Internet access to resident homes in a part of the South West Quadrant in Rochester, NY.
• Six (6) Metro E gateways (red dots) will feed the mesh network with 20 Mbps of Dedicated Internet at each gateway. Authentication is open with no passwords.
• Network would support 100 simultaneous users to start. See map for approximate placement of the 21 access points and gateways.

PROPOSAL INCLUDES:

• Design, installation, maintenance, and service.
• Equipment and internet access.
• 24 x 7 x 365 toll free help desk support for anyone trying to connect to the network.

PRICING PROPOSED:

• Five Year Commitment: $9,500 MRC

• Five year w/$100K upfront: $7,000 MRC

• Ten Year Commitment: $7,000 MRC

• Ten year w/$100K upfront: $5,000 MRC

Where MCR refers to Monthly Recuring Charge.

Joan pointed out that the upfront capital cost would be the easier funding to find from a grant. The ongoing charges would be the more difficult cost to cover through grants.

If the figures above mean that 100K would cover design and installation of the network then a five year contract would cost $420,000 and a ten year contract $600,000 for ongoing service charges.

Possible funding source would be an infrastructure grant from New York State (part of the Consolidated Funding Application – CFA).  Additional breakdown of the costs (capital vs. operating) would be needed for any grant application, along with the on-going or recurring operating costs for the network.  We also need to find out what the rise in cost will be if we need more than 100 computers on line at the same time which will likely be the case as people become aware of this asset.

The possible funding sources for the ongoing charges need to be investigated. The network would make possible better communication between the City and County and residents in the area as well employees traveling in the area. It would be an asset schools and colleges in the area could use for communicating with students and parents.

Craig (Frontier) may have some additional information to assist with any application. Joan will reach out to him in Albany (by e-mail) to get more info.

The CDC has indicated that unless funding for 5 years of operation can be identified this would not be an undertaking they could justify undertaking.

Minutes from Joan Roby Davison and John Boutet with Frontier letter info included.