Wireless Washtenaw FAQ

The Wireless Washtenaw project team has received numerous questions surrounding the next steps for the project over the last few weeks. Below are some of the more frequent questions received from interest residents in our community. We thank you for your interest and support behind this community project.

Please contact wirelessinfo@ewashtenaw.org if you have any additional questions.

Question: When will the Wireless Washtenaw pilots be deployed?

Answer: The Steering Committee is still in the process of negotiating a final contract with 20/20 Communications. Once that contract is finalized and signed, the provider will begin deploying three pilots in Washtenaw County. Deployment is expected to begin in early September of 2006, pending successful contract negotiations.  

Question: Where are the Wireless Washtenaw pilots going to take place?

Answer: The Wireless Washtenaw vision calls for three pilots, one each in an urban, suburban and rural setting. 20/20 Communications has agreed to deploy the following pilots:  

• The Cities of Ann Arbor & Saline: 20/20 Communications will deploy services throughout a designated coverage area in both communities. The coverage area is expected to encompass a few square blocks in the downtown of each city and serve a mix of residential and business clientele.

• Southwestern Washtenaw Council of Governments: 20/20 Communications will install broadcasting equipment on the Village of Manchester water tower, which will allow signal penetration into the surrounding townships of Bridgewater, Freedom, Manchester and Sharon. During the pilot, 20/20 Communications will work with the community to extend the signal further into the rural areas.

More details surrounding the pilots, including the precise geographical area, will be available once the contract is finalized with 20/20 Communications. This information will be announced on the Wireless Washtenaw website.

Question: How can I participate in the pilot?

Answer: The Wireless Washtenaw Steering Committee is in the process of finalizing these details with 20/20 Communications. This information, including who to contact, will be announced on both the Wireless Washtenaw website and the 20/20 Communications web site once the contract is signed.

Question: What if I am outside the pilot coverage area?

Answer: During the pilot phase, the Steering Committee will work with 20/20 Communications to develop a county-wide deployment schedule. This schedule will be announced in November/December of 2006. County-wide deployment is expected to be complete by the end of 2007.

Question: Will I need to purchase additional equipment to receive service?

Answer: Some residents will have to purchase Consumer Premise Equipment (CPE) to strengthen the network signal within a household. This might involve mounting a small access point to the exterior of the house. Further details will be available once pilot deployment begins.

Question: Who do I contact to subscribe for services once the network is available in my area?

Answer: 20/20 Communications will own, operate and maintain the network. Potential subscribers will be directed towards the provider to subscribe for services. Complete contact information will be added to both the Wireless Washtenaw website and the 20/20 Communications web site at the appropriate time.  

Question: What is the Wireless Washtenaw pricing?

Answer: All residents and guests of Washtenaw County will be eligible to receive a free continuous and uninterrupted connection to the Internet at 84 Kbps, which is approximately twice the speed of the average dial-up connection. Premium services will be available for-fee.

The following pricing was proposed by 20/20 Communications in their Wireless Washtenaw bid package for speeds up to 1 Mbps.

Promotions and other introductory rates may be available as the network is deployed.