To:       Town Council

From:   Terri Buckner

            Aris Buinevicius

Will Raymond

Brian Russell

Date: June 19, 2005

RE: Downtown Wireless Initiative

After the June 15, 2005 Council meeting, the Town Manager referred a citizen petition to the Technology Advisory Committee requesting that a wireless network be established to serve the neighborhoods of Northside and Pine Knolls. Currently, the Downtown Economic Development Corporation is in the very early stages of pursuing a downtown wireless initiative and a town-wide wireless network is included as one of the activities in the Technology Advisory Committee's 2005-2006 strategic plan (presented to Council on March 23, 2005).

We hereby request that Council authorize the Technology Advisory Committee to work together with the Downtown Economic Development Corporation and any other town or university group that may be involved in planning and implementing a downtown or citywide wireless initiative. Such collaboration would include, but not be limited to, determining the coverage area, reviewing and selecting platform and hardware, reviewing and contracting with consultants, designing a business plan, and promoting the idea with citizens and local businesses.

Please note that we make this request as individuals since the full IT Advisory Committee has not had a chance to vote upon this petition.