The City of Monrovia to Seek WiFi Network in Broadband Stimulus
Champion Broadband
PRNewswire
Monday, August 24, 2009
http://news.prnewswire.com/DisplayReleaseContent.aspx?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/08-24-2009/0005082283&EDATE
The City of Monrovia CA and Champion WiFi, a Subsidiary of Champion Broadband, have partnered to apply for $2.7 million in stimulus money to improve broadband penetration in the City.
This initiative would improve broadband penetration and public safety access by providing free Internet access to community anchor institutions and to the Monrovia Fire Department. The current broadband penetration rate is 35% in the City, well below the California average of 56%.
The project would overlay a dual band 2.4 GHz and 4.9 GHz network over the City, using BelAir Networks BA 100 S Strand mounted node. The nodes will ride upon the existing Champion network, eliminating pole and access challenges that have hindered many WiFi deployments. Arris will serve as Systems Integrator on the project.
Champion will fund 20% of the project if the application is approved and funded by NTIA. The company would also provide its network to mount the wireless nodes.
Champion Broadband and its subsidiary Champion WiFi; led by CEO Ruben Garcia, is a broadband service provider which offers video, high speed data and voice services in Arcadia and Monrovia. Ruben Garcia commented, "We are excited to partner with the City of Monrovia on this exciting opportunity to improve broadband penetration. We look forward to making broadband more available to all residents and improving public safety in the City."
About Champion Broadband
Champion Broadband provides a full range of advanced broadband services, including advanced digital TV, video entertainment programming, high-speed Internet access, and home telephone. The company is dedicated to serving communities of Arcadia and Monrovia, CA. For more information on Champion Broadband, please visit www.championbroadband.com.
Contacts:
City of Monrovia
Dick Singer
Office: 626-303-6609
Email: dsinger@ci.monrovia.ca.us
Champion Broadband
Jonathan M. Hernandez
Office: 626-249-0840
Email: jhernandez@championbroadband.com