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June 7, 2005Wireless network proposals soughtEstimates put system's cost at more than $3MByRecord-Eagle business editor TRAVERSE CITY - A regional wireless broadband system is closer to reality and some parts of the network still could be operating this year. The Traverse Bay Economic Development Corp. wants proposals from various telecommunications companies to establish a wireless broadband network throughout Benzie, Grand Traverse, Leelanau and Kalkaska counties. Area businesses and residents would be able to utilize wireless Internet and other broadband services. The EDC began its "Traverse Bay Tech Connect" effort more than two years ago to look at ways of expanding high-speed telecommunications services in the greater Grand Traverse area. An eight-month planning study released early last year said a regional broadband system could be set up using both fiber-optic and wireless links in the area connected to existing broadband trunklines in southern Michigan. "We need the extra connections to make the area more competitive," EDC executive director Charles Blankenship said. Early estimates put the cost of a four-county wireless broadband system at more than $3 million. The service provider would furnish, install and maintain the equipment, and the plan is to fund the network with advertising revenue and user fees. The EDC would help negotiate with local governments to provide access to public facilities needed for the system. The proposals are due by late July. Blankenship expects some parts of the network could be operating by the end of the year, and that the regional system could be largely completed by the end of 2006. "I would think it would phase in over a year to 18 months," Blankenship said.
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