July 29, 2006
Port Orchard set to bring in its first major ‘Wi-Fi’ link
By Jeff Donaldson, Port Orchard Independent
Jul 29 2006
A small section of Port Orchard will be the first to get a chance to try technology of the future in wireless Internet service — known as “Wi-Fi” — with a resolution passed on Monday by the city council.
Clearwire, a national broadband wireless company based in Kirkland, has proposed installing three small dish antennas at heights of 60, 60 and 54 feet atop a 90-foot tower owned by Verizon near Mitchell Road.
It’s not the same tower that ruffled many residents feathers last year after state wildlife officials tried to trap wild monk parakeets that had built a nest there.
But concerned that the birds might try to build a similar nest on the second tower, city officials attempted to include a provision that would require Clearwire to pay the costs of removing the birds if the state requires it.
Company spokesman Kevin Foy told the council the microwave antennas would be able to provide wireless service to customers within about a one-square-mile radius of the tower, located near South Kitsap High School.
But Councilmen Fred Chang and John Clausen expressed concern that the coverage area did not include City Hall, or very many residences within the city limit.
“We’re a startup company, so we’re still building the footprint for our coverage,” Foy said.
The company has yet to go “on the air” in Washington, but is finalizing setup of Phase 1 of the project where at least some coverage is being established in communities around the state.
Foy said the company has tried to work within constraints of state and local zoning laws, placing the small, dish-like antennas atop existing towers. Factors such as interference from trees, hills or buildings also must be considered.
Clearwire was established by Craig McCaw in October 2003. It is available to computer users who purchase a modem that can be plugged into a laptop or personal computer unit.
Clearwire launched its first commercial market in Jacksonville, Fla., in August 2004. The company currently offers service in more than 200 U.S. cities, as well as Ireland, Belgium, Denmark and Mexico.
Clausen said he hoped Clearwire would eventually be able to extend its service to other areas in Port Orchard when other phases were introduced.
“Frankly I’m disappointed with the coverage area,” Chang said. “We’d like to see a lot more.”
Foy said the company’s intention is to offer an alternative to broadband service and that they intend to compete directly with Comcast.
The cost to lease a modem typically runs about $5 a month, and service runs about $30-$40 monthly.
Once the concept of wireless catches on, Clearwire likely will be able to build the network out to meet demands, Foy said.
“Everything we do is brand new here,” Foy said. “As we expand, we’ll be looking at filling up the holes.”
© Copyright 2006 Port Orchard Independent