Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Glenn Wiltshire (Acting Director)
Department: Port Everglades Division: Choose a Division.
Information
Requested Action
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MOTION TO APPROVE Three-year License Agreement between Broward County and American Bandwidth, LLC (“Ameriband”) for wireless network access and services, with a term beginning upon execution by both Parties; and authorize the Mayor and Clerk to execute same.
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Why Action is Necessary
License Agreements with a term that exceeds one year require approval by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners.
What Action Accomplishes
Approves a new three-year License Agreement between Ameriband and Broward County to provide wireless network access services to improve cellphone connectivity.
Goal Related Icon(s)
☒County Commission
☐Go Green
☐MAP Broward
Previous Action Taken
None
Summary Explanation/Background
THE PORT EVERGLADES DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDS APPROVAL.
This action supports the Broward County Board of County Commissioners’ (“Board”) Value of “Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives” and the Goal of “Ensuring economic opportunities and a sustainable economy, with an emphasis on Broward’s lower and middle class.”
Port Everglades and its customers have experienced limitations on access to cellphone and other wireless services throughout the port. While there are several factors that affect that access, the service limitations are exacerbated on busy cruise days when thousands of passengers are attempting to use their cellphones in a very limited area inside or outside cruise terminals, exceeding the capacity of the cellphone service provider’s networks. This limited access to cellphone service also adversely affects staff that are relying on cellphones for operational, safety, and security communications.
County staff researched a number of alternative approaches to addressing this issue, including discussions with cellphone service providers and third-party companies. As a result of that research, staff identified a newer technology (“Passpoint”) developed by the Wi-Fi Alliance that would address the issue. Through this newer technology, for which American Bandwidth, LLC (“Ameriband”) provides configuration and integration, the Port’s existing Wi-Fi infrastructure will be used to facilitate the provision of wireless services within the port. Port Everglades and Enterprise Technology Services Division staff conducted pilot testing of the technology and verified that it provided additional capacity using the County’s public Wi-Fi network at Port Everglades.
The License Agreement will be effective for three years upon execution and includes the potential for a three-year extension if approved by the Port Everglades Chief Executive/Port Director. Ameriband is responsible for all costs associated with providing and maintaining the access to wireless services through the County network. This access will allow Port Everglades employees, customers, contractors, and other visitors in and around the cruise terminals to make wireless calls through the County’s public Wi-Fi network at Port Everglades. This License Agreement pertains to all terminals and buildings within the controlled access area of Port Everglades.
The License Agreement has been reviewed by the Port Everglades Risk Manager and approved as to form by the Office of the County Attorney. The License Agreement includes nonstandard terms and conditions for limitations of liability:
• Exclusion of damages for specific categories under section 16.a. (indemnification obligations not affected)
• A limitation of $50,000 on other damages under section 16.b. (indemnification obligations and claims related to breach, violation of law, or intellectual property not affected)
Source of Additional Information
Patrick Jean-Louis, Information Technology Manager, Port Everglades Department, (954) 468-0105
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
None