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City chooses FirstNet for public‑safety cellular service; projected annual cost lower than incumbent Verizon
Summary
Staff recommended FirstNet (AT&T’s public safety network) for city phones and in‑vehicle hotspots after comparing bids from FirstNet, Verizon and T‑Mobile; the board approved the ordinance to accept the bid and authorize the mayor to execute agreements.
A staff presenter told aldermen the city received three bids for cell phone service and related in‑vehicle hotspots—FirstNet (AT&T), Verizon and T‑Mobile—and recommended FirstNet as the vendor under a state piggyback contract.
“FirstNet... it is overall for the year cost at $5,046 versus the other 2 bids,” the presenter said, describing the annual total that included equipment. The presenter added that Verizon’s proposal totaled about $7,004 and T‑Mobile about $5,589. The presenter noted FirstNet provides priority network access for first responders and that the city’s current arrangement is with Verizon.
Board members asked how many phones and hotspots would be covered. Staff described devices for police (three phones plus in‑car hotspots), some director phones, parks phones and several vehicle hotspots. One alderman asked whether switching carriers would trigger contract‑break fees with Verizon; staff said there would be no contract‑breaking penalties because current contracts had not been renewed.
After discussion, an alderman moved to approve the ordinance as read and a second was received. The board voted to approve the ordinance; staff said the FirstNet approach would be cheaper than the city’s current spend and would carry the public‑safety priority benefits of AT&T’s FirstNet platform.
The motion authorized the mayor to execute related agreements; staff will finalize equipment counts and activate services under the selected contract.
