Pilot Update - November

On Friday, November 10th 20/20 Communications completed the installation of the Wireless Washtenaw pilots. Currently the network is limited to the project's technical personnel as they perform a series of acceptance tests, which requires network engineers to disrupt service periodically to test system functions such as fail over, backup systems and monitoring systems.  Once the acceptance testing is complete, 20/20 Communications will open the network to a limited number of residents to help "fine tune" the network before making it available to the general public.

Since the entire Wireless Washtenaw network is not yet fully built, there is limited backhaul capacity, which greatly limits the number of users the system can handle. The backhaul funnels data requests through a digital pipeline and to the Internet. It functions similar to a water faucet - the more demand for water (or data), the lower the water pressure (or the slower the service). Due to geographical terrain, the backhaul capacity is most limited in the rural communities at this time. Therefore, 20/20 Communications will limit the Manchester and Saline pilot areas to 30 residential locations each in order to preserve a quality service during the pilot phase. Backhaul capacity in the Ann Arbor pilot is sufficient to support a larger client-base - up to 440. This latter pilot will be open to all potential users beyond Ann Arbor city-limits. These restrictions will only be in place during the pilot phase of the project. Once the pilot is deemed successful 20/20 Communications will secure the infrastructure necessary to expand the backhaul, thereby allowing more users on the Wireless Washtenaw network.

Designated pilot testers will be able to access the network, with a provided user name and password, as early as December 1. The pilot is anticipated to last anywhere from 60 - 90 days and will test all forms of service, both the free and for-fee. 20/20 Communications will work with strategically located pilot testers so that all aspects of the network can be tested and evaluated. During this time 20/20 Communications will also complete a radio frequency study to help develop a detailed roll-out plan for the entire county. This deployment schedule is anticipated in March of 2007.

Additional information regarding the Wireless Washtenaw pilot is available from 20/20 Communications at (734) 973-2020, Option 1.