Darien to Go Wireless With WiMAX

For some Darien residents, surfing the Web is about to get a whole lot faster—and cheaper. Monday evening saw the Representative Town Meeting approve a cell tower lease agreement with Crown Atlantic to provide WiMAX, a high-speed wireless digital communications system.

The decision to lease the cell tower at 126 Ledge Road is no novelty. Crown Atlantic  will join five other cell phone carriers on the tower, co-locating at a previously authorized lease point for Sprint.

"What makes this sixth amendment unique is that it involves a wireless Internet carrier instead," said Public Works Committee Chair Mark Adiletta (District V).

And not any-old Internet, said Adiletta—WiMAX Internet. Unlike standard local area networks that are limited to only 100 to 300 feet, WiMAX coverage can reach residents within a three to five-mile radius.

"It's a lot like WiFi, but over wider area," said Adiletta.

And because the service operates on both licensed and non-licensed frequencies, WiMAX provides a more regulated environment for users (more bars, more often), and offers a relatively economic model for carriers.

At $350 per month, the town won't generate as much revenue as usual (just under $1000 per month); but Finance Committee Chair Bruce Orr said that's "reasonable given the economic climate."

"WiMAX is a very important technology. I think this week proves how important it is for us to have alternative service," said Jim Cameron (District IV).

Cameron spoke from experience. He had lost power as a result of Saturday's storm and received an email to his BlackBerry mid-meeting that power had been restored.

Adilletta said that while the tower is currently at capacity to individual carriers, the town has reserved necessary space for emergency telecommunications.

The tower is currently at capacity, and the base lease expires in 2016.

The Board of Selectmen approved the lease in late January. Monday, March 15 saw RTM approve the proposal; 64 members voted for and one member abstained.