Colorado Cities Collaborate to Create Regional Wireless Broadband Network
Colorado Wireless Communities (CWC), a consortium of ten cities, formally announced its goal of enabling a comprehensive, low-cost wireless broadband network for residents, businesses, institutions, and visitors. The CWC consists of Arvada, Boulder, Broomfield, Golden, Lakewood, Louisville, Northglenn, Superior, Thornton, and Wheat Ridge.
In April 2006, the CWC began exploring the feasibility of attracting a regional wireless broadband provider. The CWC invested several months evaluating the needs of the community, studying market trends, and identifying a business model to meet its goals and objectives.
CWC members represent a combined population of over 620,000, enhancing their ability to attract vendor interest. The group anticipates achieving wireless broadband through a competitive procurement process aimed at attracting the vendor community to fund, build, own, and operate a regional wireless network.
“This is an exciting step forward for the region and its provision of services in the digital age,” says Steve Burkeholder, Mayor of Lakewood. “By pursuing a regional, cooperative effort, we will be able to enhance government services across the entire CWC region. We feel strongly that wireless broadband will promote job, business, and economic growth throughout the region.”
Frank Bruno, City Manager of Boulder, says, “Improving broadband infrastructure within the CWC region has the incredible potential to build community capacity, and enhance regional, social, and economic goals.”
Given the complexity of the issues surrounding this effort, CWC hired Civitium, a consulting firm for community broadband initiatives, to assist with feasibility assessment and with the development and management of a Request for Proposal (RFP). Civitium has served as the lead advisor for cities including Houston, Philadelphia, and San Francisco.
“The CWC initiative has been one of the most innovative projects we have supported,” says Patrick McCamley, Senior Partner with Civitium. “This collaborative initiative is creative and forward thinking, and provides an excellent example for other communities.”
The CWC anticipates an RFP release in early 2007, and vendor selection in spring 2007. Further information on the initiative can be found on the CWC Web site at www.govinfo.bz/5973-161. For information on Civitium,visit www.govinfo.bz/5973-162.
