1 City of South San Francisco, CA
Broadband & Wireless
Feasibility Study
Findings and Recommendations
Presented By:
Preston Young, Project Manager
Jory Wolf, Project Executive
February 16, 2022
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PROJECT GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
$1B
Feasibility to establish City provided Gigabit broadband and wireless services in all neighborhoods.
Analysis of building and supporting a public Wi-Fi network specifically in the Uptown and Downtown areas Assessment of the opportunities for the neighborhoods, the most viable business, financial, and operational models and the deployment plan that will enable the City to take advantage of the opportunities.
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SERVICE & INFRASTRUCTURE ANALYSIS
Metro Fiber
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MARKET & NEEDS ASSESSEMENT
South San Francisco has a robust network of fiber including both long-haul and local metro networks.
Internet service offerings are quite abundant, and most businesses have several choices and ample broadband for any needs they may have now or in the future.
Residents in most neighborhoods also have a selection of options for high-speed broadband.
The Westborough neighborhood has fewer options and there is some frustration with the lack of options there.
A larger issue is the affordability of service, which may be a challenge for some residents throughout South San Francisco.
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UTILITY FORMATION STUDY
Magellan does NOT recommend that South San Francisco develop a traditional area-wide sole source broadband utility (Municipal ISP).
Focus on digital equity, making sure everyone has baseline connectivity.
Ensure everyone can participate in the digital economy and society Accommodate guests and visitors in the City
Put some competitive pressure on private providers to extend services and improve pricing Magellan Advisors recommends wireless service that uses Wi-Fi as the access technology
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SSF Free Public Wi-Fi Pilot Network
Pilot Public Wi-Fi Network in Up-Town and Downtown area as shown as Zone 1 and Zone 2
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PROJECT IDENTIFICATION
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PROGRAMMING & FINANCE EVALUATION
Network Component
Cost
New Fiber-Optic Cable
$240,157
CBRS Deployment
$234,600
Wi-Fi Deployment
$159,476
Total
$634,233
Deployment Costs:
Item
Cost
Utilities
$300
PG&E Pole Mount Cost
$900
CPE SAS Cost
$45
Internet Data/Service
$1,500
Total with 15% Contigency
$3,157
Monthly Costs:
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PROGRAMMING & FINANCE EVALUATION
Revenue opportunities would require the City to guarantee service levels through agreements with end users, effectively making South San Francisco similar to an ISP that requires appropriate staffing and operating expenses. Rather, the City should partner with an experienced wireless ISP and arrange a revenue sharing agreement.
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RECOMMENDATIONS
The City should leverage its existing assets to create a South San Francisco Wireless Network that provides connectivity throughout the City.
Use existing city-owned fiber optic cable, including the new fiber installation to support better broadband and cellular coverage in the Westborough neighborhood.
Deploy two new underground fiber routes at Sign Hill tower and crossing Skyline Boulevard to support three new CBRS access points and system.
Provide for the expansion and deployment of wireless antennas in the low-moderate income areas of the City to create a South San Francisco Broadband Utility, specifically in the Uptown and Downtown area
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RECOMMENDATIONS
Establish an enterprise fund for operating the network and enter agreements with qualified internet service providers for revenue sharing.
Support digital inclusion programs.
Continue to build out City owned conduit as a potential revenue source.
Continue to expand City owned fiber optic network for City Use.
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Council Direction and Feedback
Direction to build a Pilot Public Wi-Fi network and focus initially in the Uptown and Downtown areas.
Direction to explore revenue opportunities for Public Wi-Fi.
Direction to lease existing City owned conduit and fiber optic strands to Internet Services Providers and Wireless Carriers in the Westborough area.
QUESTIONS?