What is Bellflower Connect and where will it available?
Bellflower Connect will be the City of Bellflower’s new community broadband network. This new network will provide free, wireless broadband access in all public areas of Bellflower. The City is rolling out this service in different areas throughout Bellflower in 2023 and 2024, starting with the area around Downtown Bellflower in the spring of 2023.
Who is providing this service?
The City of Bellflower has partnered with ICC Networking (ICCN), a data networking and connectivity company, to build the network.
How much will Bellflower Connect cost?
Bellflower Connect will be a free, ad-supported service.
How will I get connected?
To log on where service becomes available, simply select the “Bellflower Connect" Wi-Fi network on your mobile device, and when the Bellflower Connect landing page loads, complete the fields, and click "Accept & Connect."
What download and upload speeds can I expect with Bellflower Connect?
The public wireless network will operate dynamically to allow uncapped performance during low usage time while having performance limits up to 10 Megabits per second (Mbps) for upload speeds and 5Mbps for download speeds during high-density times. These performance estimates will vary based on the user devices, age of those devices, and if they’re being used in the proper way. It will also depend on the type of content being accessed over the network.
Will Bellflower Connect have data caps, throttling, or streaming limits?
Public area connectivity will be best-effort with high performing capabilities and unlimited bandwidth for all users except during high-density usage. During high-density usage, there could be a reduction in bandwidth use with limits of 10 Megabits per second (Mbps) for upload speeds and 5Mbps for download speeds. These performance estimates do not account for user devices, poor user equipment, or lack of experience in connecting to a network.
How is Bellflower Connect different from other internet services?
Bellflower Connect will be focused on the Bellflower community. The network will provide connectivity for all residents and not just those that can subscribe to services. Bellflower Connect will be inside residences and in public areas, enabling users to connect to their community while moving around the city. The network will dynamically bring more local information, business marketing, and other community-focused content to users. It will also position Bellflower to stay at the forefront of innovation as other technologies such as electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, edge computing, and internet of things (IoT) technologies enable future capabilities.
Will service be available to small businesses in my area?
Yes, all Bellflower businesses will be invited to join the network as clients and marketing partners focused on the local markets they serve.
Yes, all Bellflower businesses will be invited to join the network as clients and marketing partners focused on the local markets they serve.
The Bellflower Connect network will have a dedicated technical service and support group available via phone, email, and text assistance complimented by an additional artificial intelligence engine. Moreover, support will be a proactive function with service surveys, customer comment opportunities, and seminars to educate users over time.
Will bad weather affect my service?
Any over-the-air network ecosystem will have some degree of impact due to severe weather. The network will have several redundancies to ensure multiple backup systems, the ability to switch between frequencies for better performing opportunities, and multiple fiber connects will offer redundancy and various routes to the internet.
How secure will the network be?
The Bellflower Connect network will be one of the most secure provider networks in the world. The network will employ various safeguards to help maintain data security. Distributed edge computing will help keep information secure by breaking information down into binary format thereby making it unreadable without proper access. The network adheres to industry standards for data security, cybersecurity, and employs an independent third-party for annual reviews and adjustments.
Will Bellflower Connect sell my information?
Bellflower Connect will not collect or sell personal data. The network does track groups of characteristics on usage by groups of devices. Through this aggregate level of collection of data, the network can be monetized and subsidized to reduce cost for all users of the network and puts the digital economy and control back into the community.
What devices will I need to use this service?
Users on the public Wi-Fi network will access the network using the Wi-Fi device embedded in their mobility products such as a smart phone, tablet, etc.
Will I be able to stay connected 24 hours a day, 7 days week?
Will my search history be stored on the network?
No search history or other personal data will be stored. General user demographics will be stored to ensure citywide tracking and network monetization which is used to support the community network and keep costs low.
How many users will the network securely protect? Will there be a cap on the maximum number of users?
The network will keep all user data secure and localized. There will be no maximum on the number of users once those users are registered and approved to operate on the network.
Will the internet company provide routine maintenance on its network security?
Yes, the Bellflower Connect network will be monitored from a centralized Network Operating Center (NOC) to ensure performance over the life of the network.
Will the Internet Service Provider (ISP) contract be readily available for users to review? If so, is the ISP contract negotiable?
Yes, all users must accept all the terms and conditions for network usage. These will be available online. Contracts are not negotiable.
What is the City of Bellflower's In-Home Broadband Access Program?
The In-Home Broadband Access Program will supply qualified Bellflower households with broadband access modems that will amplify the wireless signal from the Bellflower Connect network into their homes.
Will I qualify for this program?
There will be 3 ways to qualify for the In-Home Broadband Access Program. Your household will qualify if you live in Bellflower and if you meet at least ONE of the following requirements:
Your home is in a qualified census tract area (a map of the area is linked here);
You or at least one member of your household participates in a state or federal assistance program that is listed here;
Your household has an annual household income less that is less than the income limits for this program (the income limits are listed below).
Annual gross income is defined as the total gross amount of income (before taxes) received from all sources by adult household members who have earned or received income during a 12-month period. These limits may be adjusted annually. The City will use the most updated guidance from the U.S. Treasury in determining income limits.
The current In-Home Broadband Access Program Income limits depending on household size are listed below:
Effective 5/15/2023 |
Household Size |
Annual Gross Income |
1 |
$ 57,395 |
2 |
$ 65,585 |
3 |
$ 74,580 |
4 |
$ 90,000 |
5 |
$ 105,420 |
6 |
$ 120,840 |
7 |
$ 136,260 |
8 |
$ 151,680 |
How will be able to sign up for this program?
Online applications for this program will be available through a link on this webpage.
Where does the money for this program come from?
The program is funded by the federal Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds program (SLFRF), which is part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA).
What kind of modem and equipment would I get as part of this program?
The modem will be a hybrid device supporting a wireless technology called Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) to connect to the broadband network. The modem will provide in-home wireless service as well as 2 wired ports for use with things like desktop computers or shared printers.
If I move, will I be able to take the modem with me?
Yes, the equipment will function within residences throughout the City of Bellflower as long as the network has been deployed in that part of the city. If you move away from Bellflower, you can return the equipment to the Economic Development Department at City Hall, 16600 Civic Center Drive, Bellflower, CA 90706 during normal business hours.
How will the modem be installed?
The modem will simply need to be plugged into a power outlet close to a window. The modem will register automatically to the public Bellflower Connect network within about 10 minutes. It will connect to the network and allow internet access after you go through the online registration page.
What download and upload speeds can I expect with my modem?
Residential networks will expect performance up to 100 Megabits per second (Mbps) for download speeds and up to 20Mbps for upload speeds. Over time, as the network expands, it will achieve 100Mbps download speeds and 100Mbps upload speeds. These performance estimates will vary based on user devices, age of those devices, and if they are being used in the proper way. It will also depend on the type of content being accessed over the network.
Will the modems have data caps, throttling, or streaming limits?
Residences will have performance caps based on usage, distance from a tower, or other environmental factors. Illegal content based on child protection regulations, or any applicable City, State, and Federal laws will not be allowed on the network. Performance estimates do not account for user devices, poor user equipment, or lack of experience in connecting to a network.
Where will I be able to find help with my modem?
You will be able to get help with your device through a free, dedicated support team available 24/7 via phone, text, and email.
What can I do with the equipment if I decide not to use it anymore?
You will be able to return it to the Economic Development Department at Bellflower City Hall during normal business hours.
Will there be a cost to cancel or return the equipment?
There will be no cost to cancel or return the equipment. You will be able to return equipment to the Economic Development Department at Bellflower City Hall during normal business hours.
How will I be able to reboot my equipment?
If a network technician asks you to reboot the equipment, you should unplug it from the wall, wait for 60 seconds, and plug the power back in.
Will there be any upgrade options available?
There will be upgrade options including 5G options in the future. Users will also have access to special discounts on network devices like switches, laptops, and tablets. Users will have access to low-to-no cost applications.
Will I need to disconnect my current Wi-Fi internet service before this service is set up?
We would suggest that you continue with your current service until you have your Bellflower modem and service is available in your area.
Will this program be available to people who live in an apartment, condominium, mobile home or townhome?
Will my in-home unit be password protected? Will I be able to change the password?
Yes, and yes you will be able to change your password as often as you like.