Press Release

Installation of Wireless Oakland Begins!

(Photo Opportunity)

Pontiac, MI, December 19, 2005 MichTel Communications L.L.C. in conjunction with the Wireless Oakland Project Team will begin installation of the countywide wireless network on Thursday, December 22nd at 9:00 a.m. at the Troy Civic Center, 500 W. Big Beaver Road in Troy.  This event will provide interested media with a unique opportunity to witness the first major step in the physical implementation of Wireless Oakland.  Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson, Troy officials, Automation Alley representatives and other involved with the project will be available for questions.  Wireless internet service in the Troy pilot area is expected to be available in late January 2006.

"We appreciate the support and commitment of the seven pilot communities to make this day a reality," L. Brooks Patterson, Oakland County Executive, said.  "Together, and with the support of our local communities we will complete our goal of blanketing Oakland County with wireless internet service." 

The Countys private-sector partner, MichTel Communications L.L.C., will own, operate and maintain the network.  Free Internet service will be offered at a lower bandwidth, and the private sector will charge fees for higher-end service.

The City of Troy is one of seven pilot communities that were chosen for the initial stages of Wireless Oakland.  The remaining pilot areas are in the cities of Birmingham, Madison Heights, Oak Park, Pontiac, Royal Oak, and Wixom.  Service will follow in these pilot areas between January and March 2006.  For more information about the pilot projects and the Wireless Oakland initiative please visit the Wireless Oakland web site at www.wirelessoakland.org.

For media inquiries only, please contact Bob Dustman, Media and Communications Officer at (248) 858-1048.

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