TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute an agreement with T-Mobile USA, sign related documents with Verizon Wireless, and adopt a resolution to participate in the State of California Agreement Number 1S-05-58-01 with Nextel Communications, to provide cellular telephone and Blackberry data (e-mail) service in an aggregate annual amount not to exceed $625,000. (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 telephones for many reasons, including their cost effectiveness for remote person-to-person communications, limited availability of radio spectrum, improved responsiveness to customers, and employee safety. Since 2001, the City has used Blackberry devices for mobile e-mail communication 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.
As part of the City's financial strategic plan, City departments performed a zero base review of their mobile devices (Le., cellular telephones and pagers). As a result, a significant number of these devices were eliminated. Since then, the City has continued to reduce cellular telephone expenditures. There has been a rise in the use of Blackberry devices due to the tremendous personal productivity and workflow efficiency gains enabled by this technology. In total, however, combined cellular telephone and Blackberry expenditures remain level.
Currently, the City uses two vendors for combined cellular and Blackberry service: Nextel of California, Inc., doing business as Nextel Communications (Nextel), and T-Mobile USA. Verizon Wireless (Verizon) provides only cellular service. All three providers meet our operational and customer service requirements; h...
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