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South Bend Redevelopment Commission <br /> Regular Meeting—June 28, 2011 <br /> 5. OLD BUSINESS (CONT.) <br /> A. Proposal from Radiant Networks continued... <br /> Mr. Varner asked who paid for the studies in <br /> Mishawaka. Mr. Gilot answered that Metronet did. <br /> Mr. Varner stated that the Metronet is a good <br /> example of attempting to make high-speed Internet <br /> available to a broader portion of the business <br /> community. The problem is, in Mr. Varner's <br /> opinion that Metronet's expansion into wireless <br /> connection increases the competitive advantage of <br /> this non-tax-paying entity over tax-paying <br /> companies like Comcast and AT&T for connection <br /> to the Internet. He fears that Comcast or AT&T <br /> may leave South Bend, taking their fees with them. <br /> Mr. Varner thinks there is a place for Metronet, but <br /> when it starts to compete with the private sector, <br /> their place should be limited. <br /> Mr. Varner noted that the survey proposal does not <br /> mention the additional cost of the infrastructure if <br /> the study shows the system would be successful. <br /> Mr. Gilot explained that the cost of the radios is <br /> about $2,500 each, installed. The city won't know <br /> until the study is complete how many radios are <br /> needed or who will pay for the radios. <br /> Mr. Gilot noted that the Metronet is about <br /> connectivity. It is vendor neutral. It does not <br /> provide end services. Metronet is not competing <br /> with any of the other telecommunication <br /> companies. If AT&T or any other service provider <br /> wants to use these radios, they may. That is what <br /> is meant by "vendor neutral high-speed <br /> connectivity." Metronet is the enabler not the <br /> service deliverer. <br /> Ms. Mary Jan Hedman, Executive Director of the <br /> St. Joe Valley Metronet, said that Metronet has <br /> done a good job of helping local businesses retain <br /> 7 <br />