TITLE: Title
Approval of Extending Fiber-Optic Connectivity to WCOM and The ArtsCenter
PURPOSE: The purpose of this item is for the Board of Aldermen to consider approving extension of the Town's fiber optic network to enhance existing service provided to WCOM and add connectivity to the ArtsCenter.
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DEPARTMENT: Town Manager's Office- Information Technology
CONTACT INFORMATION: Andy Vogel, 918-7305; Annette Stone, 919-918-7319
INFORMATION: The Town of Carrboro has, for several years, provided free public Wi-Fi internet connectivity in the downtown area. WCOM, a low-power FM community radio station based in Carrboro, has been supported by the Town in the past through a dedicated Wi-Fi based connection to the internet. The majority of WCOM's audience listens to their streaming program content which is accessed through the internet. A highly stable and fast internet connection is very important to WCOM's streaming program delivery. Staff has researched the potential to provide a more stable, faster internet connection to WCOM and The ArtsCenter by connecting these community organizations to the Town's fiber optic network. There is existing fiber optic cable near the location of WCOM and The ArtsCenter at 300 E. Main, and there is also existing fiber optic cable located near the future site of The ArtsCenter near Armadillo Grill. The work required to connect the building to the Town's fiber network could be completed by September 2013.
In addition to the potential to connect these organizations to the Town's fiber network, staff is also working on expanding the footprint of the free public Wi-Fi towards the eastern end of Downtown Carrboro, and will be providing coverage to the public areas of the 300 E. Main development.
FISCAL & STAFF IMPACT: The cost to connect WCOM and The ArtsCenter to the Town's fiber optic network is less than $1,000. Staff time is required to make the connection and set-up of the network, but this can be absorbed in ...
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