Consent 1.G.
Regular City Council Meeting
- Meeting Date:
- 07/12/2010
- TITLE
- Frequency Reassignment Agreement
- PRESENTED BY:
- Paul Dextras
- Department:
- Fire
Presentation:
PROBLEM/ISSUE STATEMENT
In an effort to resolve serious interference issues between the Sprint Nextel Cellular network and public safety agencies using certain radio frequencies within the 800 MHz band, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued a 2004 Order mandating radio frequency reassignment. This reassignment allows Sprint Nextel domain over a dedicated slice of the 800 MHz spectrum that is separated from the part of the 800 MHz spectrum allocated to public safety agencies. As part of the FCC Order, Sprint Nextel is required to pay all costs associated with radio frequency reassignment for all agencies that must vacate their current radio frequencies.
The City of Billings is currently licensed for two of the 800 MHz frequencies affected by the FCC Order. Costs were identified for replacement of radio infrastructure components, mobile radios, portable radios, as well as costs associated with administrative, labor, and legal services. Negotiations were conducted between the City of Billings and Sprint Nextel and an agreement was reached on ___________.
Once approved, the agreement between the City of Billings and Sprint Nextel requires Sprint Nextel to replace 532 portable radios (and associated peripheral equipment such as batteries and chargers), 256 mobile radios, and reimburse the City of Billings for all expenses related to radio frequency reassignment.
The City of Billings is currently licensed for two of the 800 MHz frequencies affected by the FCC Order. Costs were identified for replacement of radio infrastructure components, mobile radios, portable radios, as well as costs associated with administrative, labor, and legal services. Negotiations were conducted between the City of Billings and Sprint Nextel and an agreement was reached on ___________.
Once approved, the agreement between the City of Billings and Sprint Nextel requires Sprint Nextel to replace 532 portable radios (and associated peripheral equipment such as batteries and chargers), 256 mobile radios, and reimburse the City of Billings for all expenses related to radio frequency reassignment.
ALTERNATIVES ANALYZED
City Council may:
- Approve the Frequency Reassignment Agreement with Sprint Nextel; or
- Not approve the Frequency Reassignment Agreement with Sprint Nextel
FINANCIAL IMPACT
24
24This agreement requires Sprint Nextel to recompense the City of Billings as follows:
$55,725.08 Cash – for staff time required to reconfigure the existing radio facilities
$2,232,177.80 Goods & Services – for radios, infrastructure upgrades, and support provided
by our radio vendor, E.F. Johnson Technologies
$40,740.00 Legal Services, Negotiation Support, and FCC Filings provided by Shulman Rogers
$2,328,582.88 Total Reimbursement
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Council approve the Frequency Reassignment Agreement with Sprint Nextel.