Availability and Gaps for Internet Access

As part of our assessment, we examined and interviewed the current providers who have facilities-based networks and services in Tucson. We found there are reported pockets or gaps in the Tucson marketplace that have limited or no services available – most based upon the type or location of the structure or dwelling, topology or terrain, and the technology used to provide the services.

3.2.1 DSL

Qwest is the incumbent local telephone provider and has a facilities-based DSL network in Tucson. In our discussions with Qwest, the company refused to provide overview or detailed coverage maps or facilities locations despite repeated requests in conversations with multiple representatives.8 Resellers of Qwest DSL and other providers who lease lines and place equipment to provide DSL service are only able to offer the same speeds and capabilities that Qwest offers.

One of the identified DSL coverage gaps is the West side9 of Tucson.10 This area was identified by residents and businesses which attempted to acquire services. To fill this gap, Simply Bits deployed a wireless offering.

A residence or business may be within the qualifying area to receive DSL, but may find that it is not available due to a lack of adequate circuits or other users in that area taking up the available bandwidth. This can result in one address getting DSL and the next one (even in the same building) not being able to get service. Please see Section 3.4.1 for additional information regarding DSL coverage.

3.2.2. Cable Modem

As noted earlier, both Cox and Comcast serve Tucson with cable modem services for Internet access. Cox has a franchise agreement to cover the majority of the community and Comcast has a franchise to serve a small area in the Northwest portion of the city. Cable modem service is available to subscribers wherever the cable company has constructed adequate network facilities to support high-speed Internet access. In theory, the service is available wherever the network exists. However, there are some areas where there may not be adequate cable plant in place due to low density of houses or businesses or construction in the area. Areas of new development often will have to wait to obtain service until the network is extended. Both Cox and Comcast claim that

8 _{Interviews and inquiries of Qwest personnel took place during the months of January and February, 2007.}

9

This area is West of Interstate 10 and off of Sweetwater near the Tucson Mountains. This area also was identified in the survey results as having limited or no DSL coverage.

10

Tucson AZ Wireless Feasibility

all text and diagrams ©CTC 2007 77 availability in new construction areas must be verified with an exact street address and zip code before service can be provided.

Another situation that often denies cable modem service to residents involves apartment buildings. Many times building owners will sign exclusive agreements with satellite or other providers of video and Internet services that preclude the cable company from providing service in the building. Locating these buildings requires a site-by-site survey.

3.2.3 Satellite

So long as the customer has the appropriate dish and a clear exposure to the Southern sky, service should be available according to the providers we interviewed. Some factors that can interfere with the signal performance include trees, structures or buildings, electrical storms, heavily cloud cover, etc.

3.2.4 Wireless -- Fixed

There are a number of factors that can effect and/or prevent customers of fixed wireless from accessing the Internet. These networks are usually a series of towers and mounted antennas that must have the ability to communicate directly with each other. The antennas and equipment placed on these towers and buildings are limited in their range and ability to completely cover an entire area. Providers will claim to have large coverage areas of the community, but complete 100 percent coverage is not really a possibility – in reality the fixed wireless technologies deployed in Tucson will see 10 percent to 20 percent of households not able to receive adequate coverage. Providers of these services will try to overlap their tower ranges to blanket the most populated and demanding areas of users.

Some of the other factors that can cause interference or blockage of the signal from one tower to another include:

• Building reflections from tall buildings or buildings with reflective materials; • Building construction materials – stucco, concrete, etc. can be difficult to

penetrate with a wireless signal; and • Large canopy of trees or foliage.

3.2.5 Wireless – EVDO/3G

The users of this wireless technology must have a data card from their provider as well as a computer (usually a laptop) or PDA (Palm, Blackberry, or other handheld computer device). Successful connection to the Internet is dependent upon a good signal from the provider’s network. Some of the factors that can affect the signal quality include:

• Network capacity and usage;

• Building construction materials – the signal must be able to penetrate; and • Trees and foliage

Tucson AZ Wireless Feasibility

all text and diagrams ©CTC 2007 78 The providers we identified and interviewed claim to have very strong signals throughout the city limits. They also report that strong signal coverage is less likely in the lesser developed areas outside the city and in the mountains.