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Committee tables EarthLink Wi‑Fi and urges broader discussion on fiber
Summary
The committee tabled two EarthLink items — a citywide wireless service agreement and a long‑term streetlight license — after the chair reported the proposed contractor had substantially reduced its workforce and could not perform; Supervisor Tom Ammiano urged the city to pursue fiber infrastructure as a longer‑term strategy.
The Finance Committee voted to table two related items with no objection: an ordinance approving an agreement with EarthLink Incorporated to install and operate a citywide wireless broadband network and a resolution approving a potentially more than 10‑year nonexclusive license for EarthLink to use San Francisco Public Utilities Commission streetlight poles for communications equipment.
Chair Aaron Peskin said committee members had "received word that the proposed contractor in these 2 items has vastly reduced its workforce and appears no longer to be in a position to perform under this agreement." He said the city would continue the effort with the mayor's office and the Department of Telecommunications and Information Services.
After Mr. Peskin moved to table the items, the motion carried without objection and the items were set aside for further work. Vice Chair Tom Ammiano said the episode offered an opportunity to consider longer‑term infrastructure choices and urged the city to pursue fiber to residences while noting Wi‑Fi could play a role: "Fiber is the future...You kinda need Wi Fi when you do have fiber."
Other committee items — including a TSA grant for the airport canine detection program and a contract increase for Third Street light rail quality assurance — were forwarded to the full Board with recommendation during the same meeting (see "Votes at a glance" below).
