Austin Utilities in Minnesota, a non-profit community owned utility company, is seeking a private company to assist it in deploying a municipal wireless broadband network and to deliver Internet service to residents and businesses. This is an example of a public utility that will fund and own the network, but outsource the provision of Internet access to a third party. Austin Utilities (Minnesota) wants to partner with a private company to deliver always-on high-speed (minimum: symmetrical 1 Mbps) wireless broadband service. The bid documents are available at: http://austinwirelessrfb0307.austinutilities.com/. The deadline for responses is 30 April 2007 at 13:00.
They want residential wireless broadband service for under $25 per month including the Customer Premises equipment (CPE)). The operation must maintain positive cash flow. They also want to use applications such as telemedicine and distance learning, as well as public safety (video monitoring, remote access).
The model is a public-private partnership business where Austin Utilities will fund and own the network. The utility will acquire the wireless network electronic components (Wireless Access Points, gateways, and media converters), contract with an integrator for the initial installation and activation of the network, among other things. Austin Utilities owns fiber and light poles that will be used for the network.
The management partner will operate the ISP and lease access to Austin Utilities wireless network, as well as provide design, testing, and technical guidance, as needed, during the network implementation, issue monthly billing, etc.
Austin is located in Mower County, Minnesota. Its population is 23,000 and it covers 11 square miles (28 square kilometers). Austin Utilities is community-owned, not-for-profit water, electric, and natural gas supplier, created by local residents more than a century ago to provide high quality, affordable services tailored to the unique needs of the Austin area.
Austin Utilities serves 11,773 electric, 10,319 natural gas and 8,996 water customers. Annual revenues top $42 million, and about 3.65% of gross revenues, or $1.54 million in 2003, are contributed to Austin Utilities annually in lieu of taxes to further support the community. To provide the high quality services Austin Utilities customers have grown accustomed to virtually uninterrupted services on demand – 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Austin Utilities is directed by a 5-member Board of Commissioners. The commissioners are elected by the consumer-owners of Austin to represent their best interests.
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