Purpose of Meeting:  Preparation for John Lightfoot's meeting with County IT Director, Deputy County Executive, Legislature President, and Assistant to Maggie Brooks on 8/13 to discuss SWCC Communications Committee Wi-Fi proposal.

In Attendance:  John Boutet, Eleanor Coleman, John Lightfoot, Dawn Noto, Joan Roby-Davison

Pilot Project:  Looking for sites that provide a mixture of housing that is wood, brick, etc. so that we can test receptivity through a variety of structures via surveying customers.    Would also like to test the connection for one year so that we can gauge any changes (leaves, no leaves, snow, etc.)  

Costs:  Infrastructure and then recurring costs; hardest part is getting recurring costs covered.  We are awaiting word from Frontier on specific cost estimates.  Current estimate is $1,000 per month per 100 simultaneous users.  Not clear on progression of increased user costs.

Potential sites (areas):

• SW Community Center (SWAN/COTS/19th Ward if placed on Genesee); also includes a church and a school 
• Carlson Commons (in PLEX neighborhood, Bartlett/So. Plymouth)
• Susan B. Anthony District (Genesee & King); would cover Anthony Square; possibly Voters Block, also

Clouds - need to look into tapping into existing hot spots.  Concerns around liability issues.  

SBA setting up QR (Quick Response) Codes where one can use a cell phone to scan QR code that will connect to website with information about different visitor attractions.  QR codes can link to YouTube videos.  Wireless would significantly extend capability to attract and expand information capability for SBA District & Museum.

If County already paying Frontier for the Hot Spots, who is getting serviced by them.

Sponsors/Advertising is one way to cover costs.  Other places that offer access:

• NYC is converting old phone booths into Wi-Fi Hot Spots.  
• Downtown Binghamton offers Wi-Fi as a free public service; agreement between City of Binghamton, a private company and some community sponsors.  
• Albany  has "Free Net" - free wireless network for businesses, visitors, & residents; one hour free per day; if you want more, you pay for it.

DES has been pushing for wireless for employees who are on the road and working throughout the City in order to access household information as workers pull up to a location.