Press Release with No New Info
Looks like they heard about the Guardian article coming out tomorrow, 11/9 critical of their secrecy, and maybe the Sunshine requests I've filed over the last few days helped them to see that they were in trouble.
Still no Public Process defined, apparently PUC/DTIS and this secret Techconnect panel know best. This ain't over.
What's the Press Release term for Cock Block? Whatever - Nope, it didn't work guys. This was rushed out so quickly (7pm) it hasn't even been posted on the Techconnect website they reference. Now they say 26 proposals and nearly 300 comments, this should be interesting to reconcile with my other data sources.
Tuesday, November 8, 2005, 7pm PST
SAN FRANCISCO TO ISSUE REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL TO CREATE UNIVERSAL, AFFORDABLE WIRELESS BROADBAND INTERNET NETWORK
First of its kind network would provide affordable “Anytime, Anywhere” connectivity
San Francisco, CA – Mayor Newsom today announced San Francisco will issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) to create a universal, affordable wireless broadband network in the City. Today’s announcement marks the conclusion of the seven-week Request for Information and Comment (RFI/C) process that sought public comment and proposals from the private and non-profit sectors to fulfill the Mayor’s goal to provide free and affordable wireless internet for all San Franciscans
Following review of the 26 proposals and nearly 300 public comments submitted during the RFI/C process, a panel comprised of City staff, an independent consultant and a community representative, the recommendation was made to pursue a formal RFP. This recommendation was a direct result of the responses and proposals submitted to the City through the RFI/C that clearly demonstrated it is reasonable to expect a combination of terms and benefits, including free and affordable wireless broadband for all San Franciscans.
“We have made universal, affordable Wireless internet a top priority – and today we are taking a significant step toward to making it a reality,” said Mayor Newsom. “Affordable, wireless internet access for all San Franciscans, is essential if we are to connect and compete in the new knowledge based economy. And I am proud that it is just first phase of our TechConnect strategy to bring technology to low-income and disadvantaged residents,” the Mayor continued.
The RFI/C, released on August 16, 2005, was designed to solicit community input and to gather the best ideas from the brightest minds in the wireless industry. Extensive community input during this process strengthened the City’s resolve to promote digital inclusion by requiring that this project serve the whole City, especially disadvantaged neighborhoods, that it protect the privacy and promote the well being of San Franciscans, and that it provide for consumer choice through open access.
The Department of Telecommunications and Information Services (DTIS) and the SF PUC will release the RFP on behalf of the City later this month and hopes to select a proposal and commence negotiations early next year. Interested parties can visit and monitor the TechConnect webpage at http://www.sfgov.org/techconnect