Wireless Washtenaw will partner with 20/20 Communications of Ann Arbor, Michigan, to fulfill its mission of creating a wireless high speed network throughout Washtenaw County. After a thorough review process that included three finalist bidders, personal interviews, presentations and questionnaires, the initiative's Steering Committee recommended 20/20 Communications to the Wireless Washtenaw Advisory Board meeting on June 15, 2006.

After further discussion and public comment, the Advisory Board approved the recommendation and formed a committee to finalize an agreement with 20/20 Communications. The full, county wide deployment with this partner is contingent on the successful execution of that agreement, and the initial piloting of the wireless network throughout the county.

"This selection of 20/20 Communications, after such a rigorous process and a number of very high quality national vendors who stepped forward, just shows the depth of talent and community interest we have right here in Washtenaw County." said Wesley Prater, member of the Wireless Washtenaw Advisory Board, and Chair of the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners.

20/20 Communications is a local Wireless Internet Service Provider (WISP) that is currently offering wireless services from select public infrastructure in Washtenaw County. The firm is partnering with Siemens Communications Group and CenturyTel to bring quality wireless services to Washtenaw County residents.

"We are so pleased at the decision that's been made here today, and we look forward to working with our partners in implementing these important new services for County residents" said Bill Lockwood, Director of Sales & Government Relations for 20/20 Communications.

Other finalists for the project included AT&T and IBM, as well as MichTel Communications.

"This is an important day and decision for Wireless Washtenaw. In my capacity leading Internet2, the largest single issue we have to deal with is high performance networking for small businesses and homes. Wireless Washtenaw is an important step for achieving that" said Doug Van Houweling, President and CEO, Internet2, and member of the Advisory Board for Wireless Washtenaw.

The Advisory Board met in executive session during the public meeting to discuss the recommendation of the Steering Committee and then reconvened to make the public announcement of the initiative's private sector partner, 20/20 Communications.

"I'm thrilled with the level of collaboration and the progress that's been made" said County Commissioner Conan Smith upon hearing the Advisory Board's announcement. "Wireless Washtenaw is a commitment to create opportunity across the board in this County for individuals, families and businesses alike. Quick, affordable access to the Internet has really become a quality of life issue" he added.

About Wireless Washtenaw
The goal for Wireless Washtenaw, an exciting new initiative for the entire Washtenaw community, is to provide a wireless network for the urban, suburban and rural settings in 2007. Objectives include providing citizens and visitors a pleasant, seamless wireless Internet experience; supporting economic development and improving the quality of life in Washtenaw County; serving as a model for other communities to observe, learn from and use the knowledge gained to promote similar services in their own communities; and providing a model of cooperation and collaboration between government, business and education. For more information: http://wireless.ewashtenaw.org, or contact Uma Harithsa at (734) 222-3578