HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000 02 14 Informational A City's Cellular Telephone Service
COMMISSION AGENDA
ITEM A
February 14. 2000
Meeting
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City Manager Dept. Head
Authorization
Consent
Informational X
Public Hearing
Regular
REQUEST:
The General Services Department wishes to advise the City Commission that
steps have been taken to enhance the use and effectiveness of cellular
telephone service through BellSouth Mobility.
PURPOSE:
The primary purpose of this agenda item is to provide information regarding a
new feature that has been incorporated in the city's cellular telephone service
which can be a benefit for certain city residents and other members of the public.
APPLICABLE LAW AND PUBLIC POLICY:
A. Purchasing Policies of the City of Winter Springs, FL
B. State Contract #725330981
CONSIDERATIONS:
Proposals had not been solicited from cellular telephone service providers for
approximately three years.
- As a result of intense industry competition, all providers have devised new
and more cost-effective calling plans.
- An opportunity existed to reduce costs and enhance service among cellular
telephone users on the city's staff.
Proposals were solicited from Nextel, Sprint PCS, AT&T Wireless, and
BellSouth Mobility.
It was determined that remaining with BellSouth Mobility under newer plans
would allow for expanded use of telephones, but at the same level of
recurring monthly costs, and with minimal capital outlays for new telephones.
February 14, 2000
City Commission Informational Agenda
Item "A"
- An added benefit - to both city staff and city residents - is the pending
activation of a STAR EXPRESS number, as described under "STAFF
RECOMMENDATION" below.
FUNDING:
No additional funding is required beyond current budgeted amounts for cellular
service.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City publicize by all possible means a new service
called "STAR EXPRESS" which will soon be activated. Anyone with a BellSouth
Mobility telephone can reach the city's main telephone number - 407-327-1800 -
by simply pressing "*WSF" on their keypad. The corresponding numbers are
"973" representing the first letters of Winter Springs, Florida. This STAR
EXPRESS number can be accessed toll-free from anywhere in Florida, and talk
time will not be deducted from the caller's plan minutes. This feature benefits
staff in transit who need to reach offices or departments to conduct city business,
and city residents will be able to reach City Hall at no cost to them. The "STAR
EXPRESS" number should be active on or about March 1, 2000.