Decision details

To seek approval to enter into a concession contract of up to 10 years with Idaq Networks Ltd for the provision of wireless telecommunications services including a free of charge public access Wi-Fi service.

That the Director of Creative Sheffield, in consultation with the Director of Finance and Commercial Services and the Director of Legal and Governance, give approval for Sheffield City Council to enter into a concession contract for a 7 year term followed by an option to extend up to a maximum of 10 years in total with Idaq Networks Ltd for the provision of wireless telecommunications services including a free of charge public access Wi-Fi service.

The reason for the recommendation is that the IDAQ Networks Ltd bid scored higher than any other bid when scored against the evaluation criteria described above in section 5.

Proposals were received from different vendors. Bids were evaluated against the same criteria, which are listed below. Following the evaluation, the Idaq proposal was identified as the preferred bid.

Minimum Requirements:

·         There is no net cost to Sheffield City Council in deployment, operation or exit;

·         There is no or minimal legal, financial or reputational risk to the Council throughout the contract life;

·         The bid will contribute a revenue stream to the Council;

·         The bid will not prevent or limit the Council from being able to implement wireless communications services for its own administrative or service delivery purposes or future city centre vibrancy initiatives; and,

·      The Wi-Fi Services is free of charge to the user;

Evaluation Criteria:

·         A high quality customer experience for access, registration and use;

·         A family friendly experience;

·         Good city centre coverage ideally including Council owned public buildings such as the winter gardens;

·         Good performance on initial deployment;

·         Performance keeps pace with technology;

·         A reliable communications platform;

·         Potential to exploit the platform by the Sheffield Business Improvement District (SCC BID) and others to increase footfall and to help local business thrive and grow; and,

·      Commercial Model (describing the revenue to be paid to the Council)