Frequently Asked Questions about WiMAX in Grand Rapids

1.?????? Is the wireless network build-out on time??

??????WiMAX service is not yet available.? Grand Rapids partnered with a company named

????? Clearwire to build a wireless network that will provide Internet and network service to City

????? employees, the City's businesses, and residents.? The City expects WiMAX service to be

????? available by the end of 2007.?

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2.?????? Is the City of Grand Rapids paying for wireless Internet capabilities for the whole city or is this something that we sign-up for and pay for?

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Other than select hot spots with limited Internet access, the City's wireless service will not be free.

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3.?????? When can people start signing up for service?

Clearwire is on schedule. ?No word yet as to when customers can sign up.?

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4.?????? Once the new project is deployed, how do we sign up for it?

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Clearwire stores and kiosks will be located throughout the community.? We also expect several national \'big box\' electronic stores will offer Clearwire service as well.?

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The Community Media Center has partnered with the City and Clearwire to offer free information sessions.? These public events will provide attendees with an overview of the Grand Rapids wireless service, the eligibility requirements for discounted service, and Internet safety information.? All attendees will receive a booklet containing basic Internet literacy, select Internet safety tips, basic hook-up instructions, as well as information about online resources, local programs for low-cost computer acquisition, and additional low-cost training.? Other educational material about wireless service will be included as well.

5.?????? I have read that \'Clearwire will ... provide ... discounted service for many low income residents.\' ?Does this imply that residential service will only be available to low income residents or will non-discounted residential service be available to all residents?

Clearwire will offer WiMAX service to all residents and businesses. ?This is their primary business model.

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Pricing will be market driven.? Regular retail pricing will not be announced until close to the time service is launched.?

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Additionally, Clearwire has agreed to provide service to low-income residents at a reduced cost of $9.99 per month.? Verification will be processed by the Community Media Center.

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Free WiFi hot spots will also be available in various locations throughout the city for visitors and occasional users.

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6.?????? I saw East Grand Rapids was listed as a \'partner\' in this project. ?Does this mean that the WiMax service will be available to residents of EGR?

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The city expects the WiMAX network to cover a much larger region than Grand Rapids city limits, including EGR and other surrounding communities. ?WiMAX service will be available to residents and businesses. ??

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7.?????? Could this option potentially replace my cable Internet?

Clearwire is an Internet service provider (ISP) just like your DSL or cable Internet company.?

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8.?????? If the city is involved, will WiMAX service be censored?

Paid WiMAX service will not be censored. ?However, illegal sites may be blocked. ?This will be up to the company, not the City.? Additionally, in order to preclude criminal activity, Internet access from the free WiFi hot spots will be limited to a specific list of non-profit, government, and educational sites or a \'walled garden.\'

9.?????? Can the anticipated WIMAX system be accessed by an Apple computer?

Yes, Clearwire service will work with Apple computers. ?Additional information is available on the Clearwire Web site: www.clearwire.com.

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10.?? If I'm sitting on my back porch or in my living room at home will I be able to log onto the Internet?wirelessly?

Once the network is up and running, service will be available anywhere within the city limits and in much of the surrounding area as well. ?Subscribers will be able to use this service at school, at work, and at home using a WiMAX capable device or adaptor. ?.

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To receive email updates, send an email to?our wireless project manager: swesorick@grcity.us.? We will add your name to our email distribution list.? You will receive wireless project updates as they become available.