Wireless Broadband in Suffolk County

Here's a promising press release from Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy:

Suffolk County residents will one day be able to connect with the internet anytime, from anywhere, under a proposal introduced by Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy which would request privately-owned and operated providers to develop a wireless network capable of providing connectivity across the 900 square miles of Suffolk.

Levy unveiled his desire for a countywide, accessible wireless network in his State of the County address his past January and has appointed a 15-person committee to develop the business plan and timeline for developing such a network.

The committee will research the best practices, funding models and public policies of other municipal wireless networks and will develop a business plan by August 31. The business plan will be the basis for a Request for Proposals (RFP) to be issued by December 2006.
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According to Levy, a countywide, wireless broadband network would provide an important economic development tool to attract and retain businesses in Suffolk, as well as improve services to residents and enhance public safety while reducing the cost of government. A seamless wireless infrastructure would attract and retain young professionals to live and work in the county, and provide an aid to tourism and hospitality.

"The county does not plan to compete with private business to sell wireless broadband," the County Executive stressed. "We are committed to selecting a cost-effective solution from a private vendor that will serve the county for an extended period of time, and will use the business plan developed by the experts on the Wireless Committee to establish a system that will benefit, and not burden, the taxpayers."

Wireless technology will provide many benefits to many types of users, Levy noted, including:

Public Employees. Many public employees are required to spend much of their time out in the field; use of wireless technology will reduce travel time and costs, allow faster filing of forms and paperwork and increase responsiveness to the public.

Emergency Response Teams. While many public safety departments have started to deploy wireless technology, a seamless and continuous connection will ensure that medical data and information can be transmitted when needed.

Businesses. Many businesses, too, have workers in the field, or telecommuting from home, and can increase efficiency and lower costs through the use of an assured continuous wireless network. And while most residential areas now have access to DSL or high-speed cable internet access, there are still significant service gaps in business districts.

Visitors. Suffolk County relies heavily on both businesses travelers and vacationers every year. A countywide wireless network will make Suffolk more attractive to conventions and other events, to businesses seeking to locate here and to the many visitors in search of a restaurant or night spot.

Residents. People today also want to be mobile, and a wireless county will allow residents to stay on top of events and get work or homework done wherever they are.