|
Wireless Oakland Calendar
Oakland County is aggressively pursuing the goals of Wireless Oakland. Below is a calendar of events for the first goal of the initiative.
2008 : Funding finalization
The implementation schedule for the remaining communities scheduled to receive "free" wireless Internet service will be delayed temporarily. MichTel Communications LLC., the primary Wireless Oakland partner, is seeking the required funding to complete the project.
Spring and Summer 2007: Phase 1 Installation and Infill
Service has been available in all Phase One areas since May 2007, however MichTel is currently working on infill and service improvement in each of the areas.
If you are in a Phase One area and do not have service please contact MichTel Communications, LLC at 1.248.524.8395 to inform them of your location. MichTel is using the information to improve the network.
Winter 2007: Installation Begins in the Phase 1 communities
Installation began in Troy in mid-January 2007. Installation began in the remaining pilots throughout March, with all pilots scheduled for completion by the mid-May of 2007.
Winter, Spring, Summer & Fall of 2006: Contract Negotations, Project Planning & Engineering
Following the selection of MichTel a contract was developed and executed between the County and MichTel.
The seven Phase 1 communities worked with Oakland County to create a single standard agreement which outlines the relationship and responsibilities between the County and the Municipality regarding use of assets owned by the local unit of government for the Wireless Oakland Initiative.
An agreement was also developed between MichTel and DTE Energy for use of DTE owned poles. MichTel plans to place wireless equipment on DTE poles, as well as the publicly owned assets.
The engineering and site surveys are complete for each of the pilot areas. Additionally, a demonstration area has been completed in the new Wixom downtown development area. Full pilot build out will follow through Winter 2007.
Based on the success of the pilot projects, MichTel will proceed with blanketing the remaining portions of the County with wireless internet access by the end of 2007 or early 2008.
Fall, 2005: Demonstration
MichTel Communications, LLC was selected to provide free wireless internet service to demonstrate the concept of a wireless community at Arts, Beats, and Eats in downtown Pontiac September 2-5, 2005. Fifteen blocks in downtown Pontiac were made into a wi-fi hotspot, where festival goers were able to try out the free wireless internet service.
In October 2005, Oakland County announced the selection of MichTel Communications, LLC (MichTel) as the primary vendor for the project. Seven pilot areas were also identified.
Spring & Summer, 2005: RFQ & Vendor Selection
The private partners were selected through a competitive bid process. The Request for Qualifications (RFQ) was released April 29, 2005, and on June 27, 2005 thirteen companies returned proposals to participate in the project.
Spring 2005: Wireless Oakland Summit with Our Private Partners
The Wireless Oakland Project Team presented more details of the vision and answered questions regarding the goal to blanket the County with wireless internet access. The Wireless Oakland Summit was held at the Oakland County Board of Commissioners Auditorium (1200 N Telegraph, Pontiac).
Winter 2005: Wireless Oakland Unveiling
2005 State of the County Address by L. Brooks Patterson.
|
