Unwire Portland is part of the strategy of the City of Portland to support and expand state-of-the-art communications technology for citizens, government agencies, and Portland businesses. This initiative resulted from focus group surveys conducted by the Portland Development Commission with representatives of over 300 small, medium and large local businesses during the preparation of the Portland Strategy for Economic Vitality, which was completed in 2003.

One of the recommendations that came out of this process was for the City to "Support, with investment if necessary, the continued expansion of state-of-the-art communications technology for Portland businesses." A Steering Committee assembled to help guide the City of Portland in this effort recommended the establishment of a City-wide wireless network.

• Provide Portland with a data/communications infrastructure that directly supports knowledge-based industries and helps retain and grow companies locally.
• Give Portland an edge for company site selection decisions.
• Facilitates creation of home-based businesses and employment by stimulating entrepreneurs to develop new applications and provide services.
• Give Portland a leading technology marketing buzz.
  Facilitate telecommuting for certain worker segments, thereby reducing pressure on physical plant and transportation systems. The geographical dispersion can help business continuity and emergency preparedness.
• Provide state-of-the-art alternative data and voice communication media to complement the traditional telephone-based infrastructure.
• Enable new applications and provide fresh approaches and/or reduce the cost of delivery of existing applications.
• Provide a foundation for future expansion of services.

• Fostering the creation of vibrant communities, physical and virtual.
• Facilitating community access to government services, and lowering the cost to the government to deliver these services.
• Lowering barriers to citizen involvement.
• Making the City more livable.
• Providing competitive and affordable network services for all residents.
• Lowering the cost of doing business in the City:
  • Will reduce barriers for small businesses to expand markets.
  • Will reduce cost of establishing and growing businesses.
• Improving access to data for:
  • Students doing research and homework.
  • Families utilizing online social and economic support services.
  • Visitors searching for local services.
  • Police and emergency crews during emergency calls
• Improving crime response.
  

Wireless is a term used to describe telecommunications in which electromagnetic waves (rather than some form of wire) carry the signal over part or all of the communication path. Wireless technology is rapidly evolving, and is playing an increasing role in the lives of people throughout the world.

Common examples of wireless equipment in use today include cellular phones and pagers, Global Positioning System (GPS), Cordless telephone sets, Remote garage-door openers, and Baby monitors to name just a few.

The primary use under discussion here will allow people with laptops to access the internet anywhere in the City. This is similar to the hotspot model we see spotted around the City already in cafes, bars, and some open spaces. The difference is that users will be able to obtain an internet signal anywhere outside (and with the right equipment inside) without wires, using only the chops already imbedded in their laptops and other wireless devices.

The main standard people currently consider when referring to a wireless network for internet use is Wi-Fi. Short for "Wireless Fidelity," Wi-Fi is a set of product compatibility standards for wireless local area networks based on the IEEE 802.11 specifications. New standards beyond the 802.11 specifications, such as 802.16(WiMAX), are currently in the works and offer many enhancements, anywhere from longer range to greater transfer speeds.

Wi-Fi was intended to be used for mobile devices and LANs, but is now often used for Internet access. It enables a person with a wireless-enabled computer or personal digital assistant (PDA) to connect to the Internet when in proximity of an access point. The geographical region covered by one or several access points is called a hotspot.

The Committee of the Unwire Portland initiative will propose that a private firm finance, deploy, operate and maintain the Network using private financing. This is attractive because it does not require use of taxpayer dollars and limits the City's exposure to potential problems with technologies, equipment, or operations and maintenance.

The City will potentially buy services on the Network, initially services it currently contracts for at reduced rates, and eventually new services that will help the City streamline its processes and reduce its costs. In this capacity, the City will assist the Network owner by providing a steady revenue stream to offset the risks associated with its initial capital investment while it looks for customers. The City will also discuss access to publicly owned assets such as building rooftops, traffic signals, street lights and communication towers at reduced rates. The City may pay for services on the Network, or it may bargain for services in exchange for use of its assets. All of this is subject to negotiation with the selected Firm.