Legislation Details

File #: ID#22-0955    Version: 1 Name: Frontier WiFi Services
Type: Action Item Status: Passed
File created: 8/30/2022 In control: Information Technology
On agenda: 10/6/2022 Final action: 10/6/2022
Title: Authorize a purchase order to Frontier, Inc. for the installation and operation of wireless internet services in an amount not to exceed $425,435.04 for the period October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2025, pursuant to Clearwater Code of Ordinances Section 2.563(1)(d), Non-Competitive Purchase (Impractical), and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
Attachments: 1. FTR_Sch City of Clearwater 405 Cleveland Street Clearwater FL 33755 Enterprise Managed WLAN 8Aug2022 - Frontier signed, 2. City of Clearwater-Ethernet Schedule for Managed WiFi- Please Sign, 3. Frontier Guest Survey (1)

SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:

Title

Authorize a purchase order to Frontier, Inc. for the installation and operation of wireless internet services in an amount not to exceed $425,435.04 for the period October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2025, pursuant to Clearwater Code of Ordinances Section 2.563(1)(d), Non-Competitive Purchase (Impractical), and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)

 

Body

SUMMARY: 

 

Frontier is the sole RBOC (Regional Bell Operating Company) in Pinellas County and is a Certified Ethernet and Managed Solutions provider.  Frontier Communications will be providing internet and communication services for the City’s Imagine Park and Amphitheater.  It is also being added as the 4th internet services provider (ISP) to the City’s wide-area network (other providers: Spectrum, Crown Castle, CenturyLink/Lumen).

 

The Wi-Fi solution will be installed along the Cleveland Street corridor, between the intersection of Osceola and Cleveland to the intersection of Myrtle and Cleveland.  This service will be joined with the service coverage provided by Frontier throughout the Imagine Project.  Using one provider (Frontier) will create a seamless overage area for activities in the downtown district.  Using two providers would require users to disconnect/reconnect when traveling between the Imagine Park and downtown district.  In addition, using a different provider would require the City to incur additional build out costs.

 

The services will be provided via wireless access points mounted on existing light poles in the service area.  Frontier will provide all system hardware support and replacement for all equipment through the term of the service. 

 

The solution will provide free internet access capabilities to all public users in the service zone and will also provide a communications platform for text messaging to network users within defined timeframes during and after user logins (approximately 48 hours).

 

The Wi-Fi service and communications platform will also provide for branding and sponsorship revenue opportunities that can be used to offset costs.  The potential revenue is estimated to be up to $150,000 annually (per Superlative Group). 

 

 

APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:

 

Funds are available in the Information Technology operating budget, in cost code 5559862-530300.

 

USE OF RESERVE FUNDS:  N/A