Winter Park to improve wireless connectivity

Editor’s note: Due to a production error, only part of this story appeared on the front page of Thursday’s Local & State section. Here is the full story.

Winter Park commissioners approved two proposals on Wednesday to improve wireless connectivity within the city.

The city is getting its own 48-strand fiber optic network with Frog, a local internet provider, that will connect all municipal buildings and enhance cyber security.

Winter Park is spending $862,000 out of the estimated $1.4 million cost to build the infrastructure of 100,000 linear feet of telecommunications grade fiber and a conduit. Frog is picking up the remaining tab for construction costs.

The project is expected to take up to 18 months to complete.

Frog already provides some internet services in Winter Park such as free public WiFi to visitors at Central and Shady parks. The new agreement lays the groundwork for expansion to residents and businesses. Smart city applications could also be launched, which have a variety of uses such as helping users find parking spots.

“We are partnering with

Frog to help build out a backbone throughout the city,” Mayor Steve Leary said. “Our aspect of it will be for city services. Frog will have the opportunity to offer residential and business services ... off of that backbone we are co-building with them.”

Separately, commissioners agreed to let ExteNet, a telecommunications infrastructure company, install 5G antennas, known as small-cell nodes, that would upgrade AT&T’s cell phone network in the city.

Multiple wireless carriers have reached out to the city during the past couple of years about installing the equipment. But city officials have expressed aesthetic concerns, noting the millions spent to bury power lines.

ExteNet said the design standards would mimic the city’s existing fluted black metal poles. The company designated 20 locations to place the technology in prominent parts of the city based on where users could get the best 5G connection.

The Federal Communications Commission caps annual revenue for local governments at $270 per pole but that could increase pending the outcome of federal court cases. Winter Park could eventually earn $1,200 for each pole.