-1 Page 1 of 8

Hernando County WiMax RFP

About WiMax

WiMAX is an IP based, wireless broadband access technology that provides performance similar to 802.11/Wi-Fi networks with the coverage and QOS (quality of service) of cellular networks. WiMAX is also an acronym meaning "Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX). WiMAX is a wireless digital communications system, also known as IEEE 802.16 that is intended for wireless "metropolitan area networks". WiMAX can provide broadband wireless access (BWA) up to 30 miles (50 km) for fixed stations, and 3 - 10 miles (5 - 15 km) for mobile stations. In contrast, the WiFi/802.11 wireless local area network standard is limited in most cases to only 100 - 300 feet (30 - 100m).

With WiMAX, WiFi-like data rates are easily supported, but the issue of interference is lessened. WiMAX operates on both licensed and non-licensed frequencies, providing a regulated environment and viable economic model for wireless carriers. At its heart, however, WiMAX is a standards initiative. Its purpose is to ensure that the broadband wireless radios manufactured for customer use interoperate from vendor to vendor. The primary advantages of the WiMAX standard are to enable the adoption of advanced radio features in a uniform fashion and reduce costs for all of the radios made by companies, who are part of the WiMAX Forum™ - a standards body formed to ensure interoperability via testing. The more recent Long Term Evolution (LTE) standard is a similar term describing a parallel technology to WiMAX that is being developed by vendors and carriers as a counterpoint to WiMAX.

Source: Wikipedia

-1 Page 2 of 8

Project location

Hernando County is a Tampa Bay community with a population of 170,000. The County is 473 square miles and is diverse in development. The County has two cities, Weeki Wachee and Brooksville. Approximately 30% of the County land area is in local, state or federal conservation areas. A map of households is included as exhibit one and a full demographic report of the county is included as exhibit two.

-1 Page 3 of 8

-1 Page 4 of 8

Project

The County has identified a critical need to enhance or expand technology services beyond the services currently available. At this time, the County’s technology services are largely being delivered through Brighthouse Networks and AT&T. Hernando County believes it offers a strong market opportunity for WiMax service providers. The County also believes it can assist and bring value to a WiMax provider through existing county resources and assets. Accordingly, system investment will be reduced and the system deployment could be accelerated.

The County believes that the emerging wireless systems provide high capability with reliability. The County is seeking proposals with technology providers to install a cost effective, secure and highly reliable data network. Although the County maybe able to offer an exclusive arrangement for these services, or a franchise opportunity, at this time, the County desires to be a technology catalyst and convener. The end result may be in the form of a partnership agreement between Hernando County, other local stakeholders, and theselected technology provider for the benefit of our residents, businesses and visitors.

The Hernando County Airport has been identified as the demonstration or anchor point for starting the wireless system deployment. This will be the location of the first tower and will serve as the measuring point for the system performance prior to proceeding with the full county deployment.

It is anticipated the City of Brooksville, will be a potential participant in this effort. The City, for technology, is currently served through Hernando County Government. The City has distinct public safety and municipal services that could benefit from a WiMax system. The City may also have potential sites and facilities that could be used for the system.

Objectives

Hernando County is seeking wireless technology providers who can rapidly install a county-wide system with the following objectives:

1. To serve all areas of the county including underserved and un-served areas2. To provide enhanced services to support police, fire and governmental

needs3. To provide options for enhanced services for residential customers4. To provide options for enhanced services for business customers5. To provide enhanced service options for cellular phone users6. To support and enhance economic development opportunities7. To provide higher bandwidth than currently available8. To provide cost effective services at or below current market levels9. To provide new technology infrastructure into the County (backbone) that is

not dependent upon existing infrastructure

-1 Page 5 of 8

10. To provide new revenue opportunities for Hernando County11. To reduce or eliminate broadband expenditures for city and county

government

County Assistance and Resources

Hernando County owns numerous land parcels, buildings and improvements that could be useful to the installation of a county-wide system. The expectation is for the selected firm to inventory these assets to determine what will be beneficial to the project installation. With this information, a system could be designed that takes advantage, when possible and feasible, of county assets. The County has extensive mapping capabilities and would provide these resources in support of the project. Lastly, the County with assistance from the technology partner would seek grant funding available to government which can be used for the project to defer costs.

County Regulations

Hernando County has permitting standards for communication towers. For more information on these standards is available at the following link: http://www.hernandocounty.us/bldg/pdf/commercial/TOWERREQUIREMENTS8-14-6.pdf

Proposal Elements

The County is seeking proposals for a public-private venture that will meet or exceed the project objectives. The proposals should, at a minimum, include information on the following items:

1. The experience and qualifications of the firm2. A listing of key personnel3. A list of projects that the firm has completed commensurate to the Hernando

request4. Recommended system performance metrics5. Data speed targets for government, business and residential users6. System security features7. Reliability and redundancy systems 8. A strategy for providing service to underserved and un-served areas9. System upgrades and reinvestment, future system opportunities10. Customer Care Center: The County desires that this function be serviced

locally if possible; the County maybe able to assist in the administration of the customer service department through existing customer services personnel and systems

11. Proposed system ownership and investment arrangements12. The handling of fiscal and performance audits13. Service to educational facilities including the Hernando County School Board

and Pasco -Hernando Community College14. Revenue sharing arrangements

-1 Page 6 of 8

15. Estimated timeline for installation of the demonstration location and the full countywide system

16. Support for emergency services17. A disaster recovery plan

Exhibit #1

-1 Page 7 of 8

Exhibit #2Demographic Quick Facts

Hernando County, FL

Population

2015 Projection 195,547

2010 Estimate 173,936

2000 Census 130,802

1990 Census 101,115

Growth 1990-2000 29.36%

Households

2015 Projection 81,088

2010 Estimate 72,419

2000 Census 55,425

1990 Census 42,300

Growth 1990-2000 31.03%

2010 Estimated Population by Single Race Classification 173,936

White Alone 155,413 89.35%

Black or African American Alone 9,471 5.45%

American Indian and Alaska Native Alone 540 0.31%

Asian Alone 1,984 1.14%

Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander Alone 18 0.01%

Some Other Race Alone 3,133 1.80%

Two or More Races 3,377 1.94%

2010 Estimated Population Hispanic or Latino 173,936

Hispanic or Latino 16,748 9.63%

Not Hispanic or Latino 157,188 90.37%

-1 Page 8 of 8

2010 Tenure of Occupied Housing Units 72,419

Owner-Occupied 60,380 83.38%

Renter-Occupied 12,039 16.62%

2010 Average Household Size 2.37

2010 Estimated Households by Household Income 72,419

Less than $15,000 7,820 10.80%

$15,000 to $24,999 9,894 13.66%

$25,000 to $34,999 11,016 15.21%

$35,000 to $49,999 14,110 19.48%

$50,000 to $74,999 15,034 20.76%

$75,000 to $99,999 7,674 10.60%

$100,000 to $124,999 2,954 4.08%

$125,000 to $149,999 1,423 1.96%

$150,000 to $199,999 1,282 1.77%

$200,000 to $499,999 984 1.36%

$500,000 or more 228 0.31%

2010 Estimated Average Household Income $ 54,560

2010 Estimated Median Household Income $ 42,951

2010 Estimated Per Capita Income $ 22,870