SkyTel plans to test wireless Internet network in Springs

0 Comments | Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Apr 26, 2005 | by WAYNE HEILMAN THE GAZETTE

A subsidiary of MCI Inc. plans to build a wireless highspeed Internet network in two Colorado Springs neighborhoods in a pilot program this year.

SkyTel Corp., an MCI subsidiary that offers wireless data and messaging services, would sell the Internet services to residents and businesses in the neighborhoods and see whether there is interest in expanding the service, according to a memo from City Manager Lorne Kramer.

The pilot program grew out of discussions last year between the city and semiconductor giant Intel Corp. to expand wireless high- speed Internet access, said Judy Cara, community relations manager for Intel's 880-employee plant in Colorado Springs.

Shortly after that meeting, SkyTel contacted Intel while looking for a city where it could test its service, leading to the plan presented Monday to the Colorado Springs City Council. Members took no formal action, although Mayor Lionel Rivera indicated broad council support for the plan.

SkyTel is studying local neighborhoods and will select a business district and residential area where it would build the network atop streetlights and traffic-signal arms, Cara said. The network could be operating within 60 days of getting a permit, she said.

Ron Cousar, the city's director of internal support services, said the city could have a draft agreement with SkyTel within 45 days. The agreement would not be exclusive and would include some payment for using city and Colorado Springs Utilities facilities.

"They are looking at oneor two-square-mile areas, and downtown is one that constantly comes up in our discussions," Cara said.

The neighborhoods will be selected based on topography, foliage, population density, economic and business characteristics, computer technology use and access to MCI's and SkyTel's current networks, Cara said.

SkyTel officials have not determined how much the company would charge for the service, but Cara said it would be sold at hourly, daily and monthly rates. Highspeed Internet access already is available through cable television and telephone lines.

Starbucks coffee cafes, some McDonald's restaurants and other businesses sell wireless Internet access, and wireless access is available free at the Colorado Springs Airport. Wireless networks are available in Philadelphia, suburban Denver and several other cities.

The plan has been endorsed by the city's Telecommunications Policy Advisory Committee, which determined in 2003 that residents didn't have enough highspeed Internet access.

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