Interest high in wireless Internet bid

Colorado Springs officials have sent out 20 bid packages to companies considering submitting bids to build a citywide wireless Internet network.
Ron Cousar, director of the city's Internal Support Services Department, told members of the city's Telecommunications Advisory Committee this month that 20 companies including EarthLink Inc., High Plains Internet,Time Warner Cable, Tropos Networks Inc. and WaveMax Broadband had requested bid packages. EarthLink, Tropos and WaveMax all had approached the city about building such networks.
The city this month began seeking proposals from wireless Internet providers for a local network. Proposals are due to the city’s Purchasing and Contracts Office by July 24. Responses will be reviewed by a committee including representatives from city agencies and civic groups, who will recommend whether the city should negotiate agreements with any providers.