As Orcas Power and Light Cooperative’s Board of Directors continue to study the feasibility of the Broadband Initiative, improving high-speed Internet and other communication services, staff say progress is being made. There have been developments on three major contingencies, which the board has to address before voting on the project: revision of the county’s Wireless Ordinance, completion of feasibility studies and acquisition of a Federal Communications Commission licensed frequency.

Wireless Ordinance

Last week, the county council passed a revised Wireless Ordinance defining Joint-Use Wireless Facilities. These are facilities that can provide support for multiple public services on one utility pole, including electrical power management and public safety radio communications, according to OPALCO. The broadband component of these systems could be used to provide true high-speed internet service countywide, and could improve cell phone coverage if the cellular providers agree to use these facilities. OPALCO said the adoption of the Wireless Ordinance was accomplished through a thorough public process that included public testimony, legal review and many thoughtful hours of our council member’s time and attention.

Completion of feasibility studies

Initial technical studies are complete and OPALCO staff members will be field-testing potential equipment and pole locations as they refine the system design. “We are working with industry experts to develop potential business models for board consideration – and the numbers continue to be the most challenging aspect of the project,” said OPALCO staff. “The board is committed to finding a solution that makes sense for the co-op model and for the membership.”

FCC licensed frequency

Meetings to discuss the acquisition of a FCC licensed frequency have been positive, according to OPALCO and they are are hopeful that an agreement could be reached in the next few months. Much of the system design (including actual coverage, capacity, number of poles and pole locations) is dependent on the frequency that would be deployed. Once an agreement is reached for a specific frequency range, a final system design can be developed.

Public forums held on four islands in May were well attended and have started a public dialogue on the project. There has been positive and negative feedback from members about the Broadband Initiative, and the board is also considering concerns that have been raised about the potential cost burden to members, their issues with RF emissions and the potential role of the co-op as an Internet service provider. All feedback is being carefully reviewed as the board moves toward a decision, said OPALC0 staff.

For more info, visit www.opalco.com and stop by OPALCO’s 75th Anniversary booth at the county fair where staff will be available to discuss the project and answer questions.