Section 8 of Executive Order S-23-06 states:  "To accelerate deployment of wireless broadband, the Department of General Services (DGS) shall enter into a contract with one or more companies that will place, construct, and maintain wireless broadband equipment on top of select State Agency buildings.  State agencies agreeing to the contract terms will avoid time-consuming separate negotiations and will enable faster build out of wireless broadband networks. …"

Section 9d of Executive Order S-23-06 states:   "DGS shall encourage the offering of wireless Internet access in State facilities that are most used by the public. DGS shall identify State buildings that may be appropriate for wireless Internet access and provide them information on the benefits of offering this service. In particular, DGS shall pursue deployment of wireless Internet access in the State Capitol Building, which hosts several hundred thousand visitors each year…"

Wireless Broadband/Internet Access in State Facilities

State facilities that regularly host members of the general public may find it valuable to offer public wireless broadband access.  The DGS provides a noteworthy example regarding some of the benefits of providing wireless access.  Launched in 2005, the department's wireless network has provided members of the public - vendors, consultants, lobbyist, and other visitors - Internet access when visiting the Ziggurat building (the DGS headquarters in West Sacramento).  This service has proven to be a valuable asset for the public, as they have been able to easily access the Internet for meetings, presentations, and even major events held in the building. 

The DGS will submit a proposal to the Legislature and the Governor's Office to implement wireless hotspots in and around the State Capitol Building.  This location is a prime candidate for wireless broadband service since the Capitol hosts thousands of visitors each year.  It also allows our State's leaders to showcase this valuable service.   

Wireless Broadband Leveraged Procurement Vehicle

The DGS is charged with entering into a contract with one or more companies that will configure, install, and maintain wireless broadband equipment for State agencies.  The DGS and DTS collaborated and awarded the California Network (CALNET) II contract in January 2007.  (http://www.calnet.ca.gov/)

The CALNET II contract, and subsequent amendments, will allow State agencies to avoid time-consuming separate negotiations and will enable faster build-out of wireless broadband networks.  The benefits of using a leveraged contract are as follows:

• Centralizes contract management.
  
• Reduces overall costs due to the State's considerable combined purchasing power.
  
• Eliminates the  need for location-specific contracts and the associated workload.
  
• Allows State agencies to focus their efforts on wireless design and fulfillment functions. 

Broadband Telecommunications Vendors

Broadband telecommunications vendors interested in providing broadband services on State facilities begin the process at http://www.dgs.ca.gov/Services/telecomm.htm.  This webpage describes the process and includes links to contacts and submittal documents. 

All State buildings are eligible for consideration, pending local, State and location-specific impediments (e.g., municipal ordinances, terrain features, safety, etc.).