Going Wireless in San Marcos

By Brad Rollins
Staff Reporter

San Marcos March 08, 2007 11:15 am

— City leaders have hired a consultant to guide them through the process of setting up a citywide wireless system that could be configured to provide free or low-cost public Internet access.
The $180,000 contract with Austin-based MetroNetIQ covers services to help city staff develop a proposal request for providers of a wireless fidelity, or Wi-Fi, system and service. The company will help the city chose a provider, negotiate a contract — ideally for private funding of most or all capital expenses — and serve as project manager for installing the system.
“San Marcos is looking at doing something very exciting but also very pragmatic,” said John Cooper, MetroNetIQ’s founder.
The company was recommended for the contract over three other bidders: Elert & Associates of Stillwater, Minn.; RCC Consultant Inc. of Tallahasee, Fla.; and RVB Consulting of Conroe.
A wireless mesh system like that being proposed would beam bandwidth from transmitters installed at regular intervals on utility poles, creating a virtual grid through which residents could tap into the World Wide Web.
In addition to public Internet access, a wireless system could save the city money by allowing for automated utility meter reading and improve public safety by sending and receiving real-time information to and from police and fire officials in the field, Cooper said.
The consultant’s work will help determine how much the system will cost and who will pay for it, Cooper said. Others municipalities that have established citywide wireless systems have done so under a number of different public-private partnerships.
In Corpus Christi, a nonprofit corporation started by the city council, built a 147 square mile system with $7.1 million in public and private funds and provided free Internet connections to residents. The city on Wednesday announced the system’s sale to EarthLink, which will start selling subscriptions for $20 a month. The company paid $5.5 million upfront for the system and the city expects to take in an estimated $300,000 a year for 10 years as its cut of subscription sales.
Most of the city cost will come in the form of software and equipment to enable city government to utilize the system, such as equipment related to automated meter reading, Cooper said.

bradrollins@yahoo.com