TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution to participate in the Western States Contracting Alliance Participating Addendum (State of California Master Service Agreement No. 7-10-70-15) with Sprint Nextel to provide cellular telephone and Blackberry services; and authorize City Manager to execute a new agreement with Sprint Nextel. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The Technology Services Department is responsible for administering cellular and Blackberry e-mail service for City departments. Since 1990, the City has used cellular phones for many reasons, including their cost-effectiveness for remote person-to-person communications, limited availability of radio spectrum, improved responsiveness to customers, disaster responsiveness, and employee safety. Since 2001, the City has used Blackberry devices for mobile e-mail communication and browsing capabilities to enhance productivity and efficiency. For departments under the City Manager's authority, department directors approve requests for cellular telephone and Blackberry devices based upon job duties. Also, the City Auditor conducts reviews of cellular telephone usage.
Currently, the City uses three vendors for combined cellular and Blackberry services: Nextel of California, lnc., doing business as Nextel Communications (Nextel), T-Mobile USA, and Verizon Wireless (Verizon). All three providers meet our operational and customer service requirements; however, Nextel has become the primary provider due to its two-way radio capability.
The Master Price Agreement with State of California Wireless contract No. 1S-05-58-01 (CWC) for Nextel services will no longer be available after December 31, 2010. The State of California Department of General Services has executed Participating Addendum No. 7-10-70-15 with Sprint Nextel under the Western States Contracting Alliance (WSCA) cooperating purchase agreement for wireless products and services. City staff recommends using the current WSCA agreement to take advantage of the...
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