RES 043 Draft 01 2020-2022 - Laserfiche WebLink

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• Satellite Systems. Satellite systems use communications satellites for broadband transmissions. The primary advantage to satellite technology is that it may reach remote areas in Hawaii that do not currently have access to anyother type of service. However, satellite service at comparable bandwidths is expensive and requires subscribers to purchase costly equipment in order to receive service. Moreover, satellite service performance in Hawaii is limited because, similar to microwave systems, a direct line of sight is required between the communications satellite and the dish antenna on the ground. Because most of the satellites are currently positioned primarily for coverage over the continents, the line of sight to these satellites is often low on the horizon and may be blocked by mountains and structures. Also, the distance signals must travel to and from the satellite creates inherent delays in the delivery of the signals. This latency may often result in data loss during transmission; the inability to establish a secure connection, such as a Virtual Private Network (VPN); or the inability to maintain a connection. Because of these current limitations, satellite is not a viable option to provide widespread, affordable, secure, reliable, high-speed broadband service in Hawaii at this time. For this reason, this Plan excludes further discussion of satellite technology. • Wireless Systems (cellular or mobile wireless systems). Wireless systems are operated in Hawaii by major national and local wireless providers, and coverage is fairly widespread in the populated areas across the State. As these systems use shared radio resources, performance may be impacted by the number and activity of subscribers utilizing the service at the same time. Wireless carriers continue to be impacted by demands for higher bandwidth and new services, and the growing mobility needs of their customers Most of the major wireless providers provide 4G LTE technology to deliver faster data speeds, although coverage is poor or nonexistent in various rural areas. Higher speeds may be possible in the future such as 5G is developed and deployed based upon demand but is not expected to be prevalent in rural areas. • Wide Area Wi-Fi Systems. Wireless wide area network (V\IWAN) systems are networks designed to provide wireless service to large areas by connecting separate wireless coverage areas (or cells) through the use of multiple outdoor wireless routers, with the operator of a \/\/WAN acting as a wireless Internet service provider. These \/\/WAN systems, which can be publicly and privately operated, generally cover metropolitan areas and are growing significantly in number and size. 9":