The muni wireless network in Washtenaw County, Michigan, is expanding even though it lacks the financing necessary to move forward. The county’s private partner, 20/20 Communications, has added new transmitters to improve access in the 28-square-mile area that is currently unwired, according to a report in the Ann Arbor News.
Bob Wolff, president of 20/20 Communications, said the company is “absolutely committed” to the network, now estimated to cost about $13 million, even though “we’ve had to change that model.”
Wireless Washtenaw provides free, low-speed access with fee rates for faster service. Difficulties in attracting investors and other financing have delayed the project, which was expected to have been finished in December. No new date has been set for its completion but 20/20 estimates that deployment will be complete 16 to 18 months after funding is secured. No taxpayer money is involved.
According to the News, 1,541 residents have signed up for the service but only 121 people are paying for subscriptions for the high-speed service.
Funding has troubled muni wireless projects everywhere but it’s been especially problematic in Michigan where the state has been hard hit economically. Oakland and Livingston Counties’ projects are stalled, waiting on their partner, MichTel, to find funding.
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