“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. • • • • 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? – – – – 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 – Advocate – Resource/ “Coach” – Documenter of Best Practices – Developer of tools – Enactor of policies that can have broad impact – removing barriers/implementing enablers • Use of state owned assets • Agency leverage – 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 – Front line for broadband initiatives – Leader – Partner – Decision/Deal Maker Publicly-owned towers support 6 of 7 infrastructure locations Who is here this evening? Shentel nTelos VisualLink Verizon Wireless Winchester Wireless • • • • • • • • • • 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? • • • • Participate throughout the process Ask questions and follow-up Work together to find a positive solution Remember the objective Next steps • • • • 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