Wireless Silicon Valley
The Challenge
Silicon Valley needs to be at the forefront of deploying and using the latest wireless technologies. Many of the companies that invent and manufacture wireless networking chips, equipment, and appliances are located here. Silicon Valley should be a destination for people from around the world to learn about how wireless technologies can be deployed and put to productive use.
Changes in the Environment
People are becoming increasingly mobile, but staying connected while on the go can be a challenge. A number of handheld devices, including BlackBerries and Treos, connect to the Internet today, and laptop users can buy a plug-in card and services from a cell phone company. Such services are widely available, but more expensive than wireline services, and limited in speed and functionality.
The new strategy is to blanket the outdoors with affordable access to high-speed wireless networks. WiFi (802.11) was the first technology to meet this need and has been deployed in downtown areas in a number of cities around the world. A new technology, WiMAX (802.16), has a longer range and higher speed. WiMax is only now being built into laptop computers, but plug-in cards are available for laptops and desktops.
Wireless technologies can do a lot more than provide access to the e-mail and the Web. WiFi telephones are already on the market. Utilities are using wireless signals to automatically read water, gas, and electric meters. Wireless parking meters in Redwood City already accept credit cards. Vending machines can connect to the Internet and send a report when they need to be re-stocked. Temperature and humidity sensors can automatically turn sprinklers on and off to avoid wasted water. Wireless networks can help synchronize traffic signals and provide traffic managers with detailed, real time information on traffic congestion. Solar powered webcams can be put up for an event, then moved to wherever they are needed.
When you no longer need a wire, doors open for Silicon Valley's wireless entrepreneurs.
Project Plan
Joint Venture led the formation of a Wireless Silicon Valley Task Force with the help of the Silicon Valley Economic Development Alliance. The Task Force consists primarily of the Information Technology Managers of the region's cities and counties. Other participants include local electrical utilities, county sheriff departments, and public transportation authorities.
Based on the results of a survey of needs and priorities, the Task Force prepared “A Vision of a Wireless Silicon Valley,” released in November 2005. On April 28, 2006 the Task Force issued a Request for Proposals under the auspices of the San Mateo Telecommunications Authority. Some of the key principles in the RFP were,
- The proposers had to build, own and operate the network at their own expense. No taxpayer funds would be used to construct the network.
- Vendors would be evaluated on the sustainability of their business model. The cities and counties would not ask for concessions that would threaten the ability of the provider to maintain a high quality, reliable service that would be upgraded as new technologies came to market.
- The provider would agree to wholesale access to its network so that other companies could services to end users.
The RFP attracted 7 responses. The team of Silicon Valley Metro Connect (Cisco, IBM, Azulstar, SeaKay) was selected to build the network. Covad Communications joined the team in early 2008 and began planning the deployment of a test network in the City of San Carlos.
A vision of a wireless silicon valley
The vision developed by the task force includes the following elements:
- A seamless, interoperable network that covers the region
- No need to have multiple accounts
- The ability to roam throughout the region without losing the signal
- Emergency response teams will be able to get priority access to the network
- A range of service offerings including free and paid services, and varying levels of security
- The ability to bring the signal indoors with the aid of standard equipment
- Adherence to open standards
The network will bring many benefits to the community:
- Support for emergency response teams
- Save mobile workers, including police, fire, public works, sales people, and construction workers, from having to return to the office to file reports or get work orders
- Attract conventions by making it easy for visitors to connect
- Offer an alternative broadband service provider to businesses and residents
- Create opportunities for local wireless companies to develop new products and services
- Reinforce Silicon Valley's reputation as a center of innovation