“Let’s all get connected”
What is broadband (Broadband width)?
Every page, image and video on the web comes to your home device as small pieces of data, or packets. How fast these
packets move on the network is measured in Megabits per second, abbreviated Mbps. Broadband technology can move
those packets to and from your home much more quickly than dial-up access using a modem and telephone line. A
broadband connection has two speeds: download and upload. Download speed is the speed of getting information from
the web to your computer, and upload speed is the reverse.
http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/190143/how_much_bandwidth_is_enough.html
Description of FCC Broadband Tiers
Number
Name
Connection Speeds
0
1st Generation Data
200 kbps to 768 kbps
1
Basic Broadband
768 kbps to 1.5 mbps
2
Broadband Tier 2
1.5 Mbps to 3 Mbps
3
Broadband Tier 3
3 Mbps to 6 Mbps
4
Broadband Tier 4
6 Mbps to 10 Mbps
5
Broadband Tier 5
10 Mbps to 25 Mbps
6
Broadband Tier 6
25 Mbps to 100 Mbps
7
Broadband Tier 7
greater than 100 Mbps
Objectives
Our primary objective is to facilitate the delivery of
competitive High Speed broadband access for the
entire Frederick area, enhancing our ability to
stimulate community growth, educational
opportunities and economic development.
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Level Playing Field with Urban Areas
Highest Speed of Connectivity –Tier 2,3,4
Affordable/Competitive Rates
Multiple Providers
Why do we need bandwidth?
• Public Safety connections –cellular, VPN
• Educational opportunities
– Online learning
– Content management systems
– Online text
• Home to work opportunities
• Business functionality and economical
development
“Any sufficiently advanced technology is
indistinguishable from magic.”- Arthur C. Clarke -1917
Where are we in terms of coverage?
Gore Area
Shawneeland
Mt. Falls
Star Tannery Area
Our management Team
Both City and County Gov’t /Schools
Shenandoah University
Small Business/ Economic Development
Winchester City and Frederick County IT
Local Government leaders
Private citizens
Northern Shenandoah Valley Regional Planning Commission
Our Strategy
• Inclusive approach, not target of opportunity ( we are in
this for long term results)
• Encourage partnerships between local providers
• Use existing assets instead of duplicating infrastructure
• We intend to Leverage Broadband Technology as an
asset to strengthen our communities
– Work with and prepare communities to utilize a
capable telecommunications infrastructure
• Empower local business/ entrepreneurs, enhance
education, improve public safety
Frederick Area Broadband initiative
How did we get started?
• Made state and local contacts
• Approach modeled after VA Broadband planning
• Accelerate VA – speed test survey
(http://www.acceleratevirginia.org/speedtest/)
• Publicized local government and school’s inquiries
• Began organizing data and soliciting input
• Publicized results and formulated next steps
• Received a planning grant from CDBG
• Organized management team and set dates for public
input and information meetings
http://www.co.frederick.va.us/broadband_new.aspx
• Toolkit can be accessed through wired.virginia.gov.
• Designed to help communities to achieved last-mile
broadband services.
• Is your community “house” in order?
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Comprehensive and Land Use Documents
Broadband friendly zoning
Expedited permitting processes
Fees/Charges
• What are you trying to do?
– Who are you trying to connect?
– What applications are of interest ?
– Who will lead the initiative?
• How do you do it?
– Assessing assets and demand for services
– Determine desired technology
– Evaluate deal structure options
• Business Case Analysis and Funding
– Reallocate existing telecom spend and “inkind” contributions
– Evaluate and leverage grant opportunities
(existing and future)
– Leverage VRA funding mechanisms
Available at wired.virginia.gov
Putting it into Practice: Franklin County Virginia
State Role
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Advocate
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Resource/ “Coach”
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Documenter of Best Practices
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Developer of tools
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Enactor of policies that can have broad impact –
removing barriers/implementing enablers
• Use of state owned assets
• Agency leverage
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Buying Down Deployment Costs
County Spend – 14%
$500
$83
Build-out Actual
Estimate
Waived Lease
Revenue – 18%
Access to
Public
Infrastructure
(Non-Cash) 69%
Keeper of “focus” on the overall goal of
ubiquitous affordable broadband
Community Role
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Front line for broadband initiatives
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Leader
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Partner
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Decision/Deal Maker
Publicly-owned towers
support 6 of 7
infrastructure locations
Who is here this evening?
Shentel
nTelos
VisualLink
Verizon Wireless
Winchester Wireless
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Invited were:
Comcast
Verizon FIOS/DSL
Hughes Net
Sprint Wireless
Verizon Wireless
ATT wireless
Wave2Net
Wild Blue Communications
Visual Link
What can we do as a community?
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Participate throughout the process
Ask questions and follow-up
Work together to find a positive solution
Remember the objective
Next steps
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Review data from recent survey
Create an RFP for a Broadband consultant
Create options to attain our objective
Partner with vendors through the process to
secure a positive outcome