1. What is Pronto UniFi: Digital Communities Grid Initiative?
The main premise behind this initiative is for 500 "Metro" cities/munis to create a nationwide infrastructure to enable effective communication in both normal and emergency conditions. Pronto Networks is making a significant investment to enable cities to be connected via a national network, on which applications and services such as nationwide Amber Alerts, Homeland Defense Alerts, Snap Surveys, and other emergency or community-based services can be broadcasted to the users of the network. Furthermore, Pronto has created a strong partner ecosystem to provide applications, services, and solutions that can be deployed on the network.

2. What is the cost to join the Pronto UniFi Digital Communities Grid?
There is NO cost to join the Pronto UniFi Grid. It is FREE.

3. What benefits does my community get by joining UniFi Grid?
There are a number of high value infrastructure and applications that your community will be able to experience including a fully functional mixed use network, emergency management and communication applications. Even though, radio coverage area for this infrastructure will be limited to 300 feet, you will still be able to utilize multimodal emergency alerts and related communication tools throughout the city. Included for free is one Network Service Controller, which enables the city to connect and become part of the UniFi grid. Also included for free is Pronto's world-class managed services support for an unlimited number of city and government users. There is no limit to number of city and government users who can utilize this service.

4. What if I do not have a wireless network currently?
That's fine. Pronto Networks’ Service Controller has a fully compliant 802.11 radio as part of the device, which can be deployed as a showcase in an area, typically indoors providing 300 feet of wireless coverage. This is a large enough area to showcase the benefits of the UniFi grid for participants that do not have a larger wireless network. Pronto Networks’ Service Controller has a LAN port, which can support multiple access points to cost effectively extend the size of the showcase location. When you are ready to deploy a larger wireless network, Pronto Networks can provide the platform and partners to help make that deployment smooth and successful.

5. What if I already have a wireless network?
That's great! Pronto Networks’ Service Controller has a LAN port, which can be connected to a wireless network, creating a hotzone fully supported by the Pronto UniFi Grid. The Network Service Controller can be deployed at a network location supporting up to 200 concurrent users. For much larger networks, Pronto will work with you to recommend appropriate Service Gateways and continue to extend free service to all city and government workers.

6. Does this grid support a Wi-Fi network only or this also work with other networks such as public safety and WiMAX?
The UniFi grid is a software based service enablement platform, and can support the full compliment of IP-based networks including 802.11 Wi-Fi, 802.16, WiMAX, Mesh, and Public Safety networks. Pronto Networks can help you design a future proof strategy for infrastructure, applications and services, and business models based on your objectives.

7. Under what circumstances may there be additional fees?
There are NO mandatory fees to be part of Pronto UniFi Grid initiative, and the support for city and government users will always be free. There may be additional costs if additional Network Service controllers, Service Gateways, or access points are requested to support large hotzones. There may also be additional costs if support for non-city/government users, such as public users, is requested.

8. What partner solutions are available to me as part of the Pronto UniFi Grid participant?
Many partners are currently under evaluation and will continue to join UniFi Grid in upcoming months. At present, we have commitment from number of partners including -

• Cellnet provides AMR, SCADA control solutions. Cellnet currently supports over 10M devices and can support a variety of meters
• Cross Current provides a number of public safety applications including Computer Aided Dispatch, criminal records database, and others
• Lexis Systems provides wireless enabled parking stations and pay stations
• SmartVideo provides mobile TV services for public safety official and residents

9. How do I engage with the Pronto UniFi Ecosystem partners?
Pronto Networks has arranged for business and technical contacts from each ecosystem partner company. They are ready to assist you to provide details on any applications and services that may be of interest.

10. Why should I join now?
Access to real-time information is critical in today's dynamic world, both in homeland defense, security, weather, amber alert, and general communication to your city, government, and public constituents. Since there is clear and significant value by joining the Digital Grid, we expect to connect 500 Cities and Municipalities very quickly. If this initiative has value for your city or municipality, you should join now.