Decision - Metro Wireless Concession Agreement

(1)               That the letting of a service concession for the use of council owned assets (primarily street furniture) to deliver a Wireless Network for a 5 year initial period with the option to extend for 2 years plus a further period of up to 12 months (5 plus 2 plus 1) be approved;

(2)               That the Strategic Director; Place be granted delegated authority to award a service concession contract to deliver a Metro Wireless network and, subject to satisfactory performance of the appointed contractor, to extend the 5-year contract by a maximum of 3 years (2 years, then 12 months); and

(3)               That the Head of ICT in conjunction with the Strategic Director; Place be authorised to agree any minor amendments to the draft contract deemed necessary and to conclude the contract accordingly.

Benefits from this recommendation can be directly quantified in terms of potential revenue streams.  In addition the creation of such a digital platform will deliver benefits which are less tangible in commercial terms but potentially will add value to the way public services are delivered, the way in which digital inclusion is addressed and local business benefits from improved broadband connectivity

The Council could opt to invest in providing its own Wireless network infrastructure by running a procurement and selling wireless services using it’s own assets.  The telecommunications market place is a heavily regulated, specialist and dynamic environment.  Adopting this option would require significant investment by the council and adoption of the risk of managing such a service.