High-Speed Broadband Access - Request for Concept Process

Midland Park on Lambton Quay

A Request for Concept (RFC) was designed to seek information on how to implement the Council’s vision for high-speed broadband network coverage.

The RFC was launched at an industry briefing on 27 April 2007 where attendees were informed about the Council’s plans, and the process for responding to the RFC.

Respondents had five weeks to prepare a concept. Submissions closed on 1 June 2007.

RFC Responses

Responses came from a range of companies including the major telecommunications providers, network integrators and constructors, ISPs, technology providers, wireless companies and potential investors.

Forty-three organisations registered their interest in making a concept submission. The Council received 24 responses.

Evaluation Process

An evaluation team, including senior council officers and external consultants, considered the concept submissions. The group met in June / July 2007 to discuss the concepts, and rank them against an agreed set of criteria.

RFC Outcomes

The RFC process had three aims:

to gauge interest
to collect implementation ideas
to find possible investors.

Information received was used:

to develop a network architecture model
to refine potential business models
to inform on how the Council could stimulate project development.

Respondents were advised that potential partners would be chosen later, possibly through a formal tender process in early 2008.

Network Model

A high-speed broadband network model was developed in response to the RFC process.

The network model has three key components.

Open-access fibre backbone
This is based on using existing Council assets (eg trolley wires, abandoned pipes) where possible. Costs of underground trenching required elsewhere would be reduced by scheduling where possible with other works. Using the overhead network would save around $10m, improving financial viability.
Wireless / cellular network
Used by strategic partners for data transmission. A WiFi / WiMax network is costly but would provide significant interim benefits. Access to network infrastructure and other Council assets could facilitate the business model. Access charges to this network type could be significant for cellular broadband.
Development of fibre to the home (FTTH) options
This would include trials of options, and possible wider rollout on a suburb-by-suburb basis at a later stage.

More Information

Nicola Old
Project Coordinator

Phone:	(04) 803 8538
Email:	broadband@wcc.govt.nz

Overview
Vision
Benefits
Case Studies
Request for Concept Process
Milestones 2007/08