HomeMy WebLinkAboutFCS-17-096 - Authorization to enter Licence Agreement with Bell Mobility Inc..docx
REPORT TO:Committee of the Whole
DATE OF MEETING: May 15, 2017
SUBMITTED BY: Dan Murray, Director of Technology Innovation and Services,
519-741-2200 x7825
PREPARED BY: Chetan Hassarajani, Manager of Client Services, 519-741-2200
x7693
WARD(S) INVOLVED: N/A
DATE OF REPORT: May 10, 2017
REPORT NO.: FCS-017-096
SUBJECT:Authorization to enter License Agreement with Bell Mobility Inc.
to Enhance LTE cellular signal inside Kitchener Market
___________________________________________________________________________
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Director of Facilities Management be authorized to execute an agreement
satisfactory to the City Solicitor with Bell Mobility Inc., allowing for installation of
telecommunications equipment at 300 King St. E. for a ten year term followed by
two five year renewal terms;
That the Director of Facilities Management be authorized to terminate or extend
such agreements at any time in accordance with the provisions set out in the
agreement; and further
That the Director of Facilities Management be delegated authority to execute
renewal or new agreements respecting installation of telecommunications
equipment at all city facilities subject to the satisfaction of the City solicitor; and
further
That any proceeds that can be negotiated from hosting third party
telecommunications equipment be used to fund future community-benefitting
Digital Kitchener initiatives, such as publicly-accessible Wi-Fi, and all electricity
reimbursements be used to offset electrical costs.
BACKGROUND:
Bell Mobility has approached the City to request the installation of telecommunications
equipment that will boost their LTE cellular signal inside City buildings that are
frequently used by residents. The benefit of installing this equipment is that wireless
*** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. ***
Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance.
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cellular connections will be more reliable and provide faster data rates to both the
tenants of the building and customers.
As a part of this initiative Bell Mobility will work with the City to install equipment that
improves cellular signals (known as small cells) within various City facilities. The units
would improve voice quality as well as uploading and downloading speeds for
customers using cellular services provided by Bell and its affiliates, which include Telus,
Virgin, Koodo and others. In order to move forward, the City would need to enter into a
services licence agreement with Bell.
REPORT:
Installation of telecommunications equipment at the Kitchener Market (300 King St. E.)
The Kitchener Market is an important municipal facility that hosts shows and events of
both private and public nature and is visited by thousands of residents annually. Bell
Mobility has proposed to install the following equipment at the site to improve the quality
of cellular services within the building:
Two pico cells and an antennae at the ground level
Three micro antenna on the lower level
One micro antenna on the lower parking level
One base transceiver station (BTS) in the mechanical room.
Bell Mobility Inc. will be responsible for all costs related to installation of the equipment.
In addition, Bell Mobility will also pay the city a fixed amount annually that should cover
the electrical costs to run the equipment.
The City will receive an amount intended to reimburse for electricity costs each year and
an additional amount as a licensing fee for hosting the equipment.
The City also has an option to cancel the contract at any time by providing a 90 day
notice.
The installation of this equipment will not result in any extra costs for the City.
Facilities Management and Kitchener Market staff were consulted and concur with these
recommendations.
Bell Mobility is also interested in installing equipment in other facilities such as the
Kitchener Memorial Auditorium. Staff will continue to work with Bell Mobility and all
stakeholders to assess other potential buildings where this equipment can be installed.
This agreement does not provide Bell Mobility exclusive access to the City’s facilities.
Other cellular providers will be able to install similar small cell equipment for their own
purposes as well.
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ALIGNMENT WITH CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGIC PLAN:
Strategic Priority: Effective and Efficient City Services
Strategy: 5.2 – Improve the design and delivery of city services so that they provide
what citizens want in the most reliable, convenient and cost-effective way.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
The installation of this equipment is not expected to result in any new costs to the City.
The City will receive an annual license fee for hosting the equipment in the Kitchener
Market and will also receive an amount annually intended to cover electrical costs.
Proceeds from the installation of the telecommunications equipment (less electrical
costs) will be put utilized by the City to further improve wireless connectivity efforts,
such as publicly-accessible Wi-Fi, as outlined in the Digital Kitchener Strategy.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
INFORM – This report has been posted to the City’s website with the agenda in
advance of the council / committee meeting.
ACKNOWLEDGED BY: Dan Chapman – Deputy CAO – Finance and Corporate
Services
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