Phone Strategy Nets Taxpayer Savings

Provincial taxpayers could save more than $1.5 million a year under a new contract with Aliant Telecom Ltd., the successful bidder in a competition to provide a wide range of government telecommunications services.

"Our review shows potential savings of more than $5 million over three years," said Ron Russell, Minister of Transportation and Public Works. "We're getting the best possible service for the best possible price. Competition works."

"Nova Scotians are using phones and computers to obtain services or get information from government, so we need to make sure we get the technology part right," said Mr. Russell. "It supports what we do in providing health care, managing our education system and offering many other services to Nova Scotians."

"The province's extensive information and communications technology is a critical tool for providing government services and for promoting economic growth," said Cecil Clarke, Minister of Economic Development. "IT infrastructure is key to growing our e-commerce capabilities and increasing our access to global markets."

Five companies submitted proposals to handle all of the provincial government's services, including local voice service, long distance, cellular and data network services. Opening up each category to competition was a first in Canada. Aliant's proposal to supply all four services was chosen after lengthy, detailed technical reviews of each bid.

The original request for proposals was issued on May 29 and closed on Aug. 8. The province held information sessions with potential bidders, arranged one-on-one meetings and sought industry input on a draft request for proposals before publishing the final document.

"We went out to industry with a complex set of needs, consulted widely and made sure everyone was on a level playing field," said Mr. Russell. "Our goal was straightforward -- come up with solutions that help our departments and agencies serve Nova Scotians as efficiently as possible."

The government services branch of the Department of Transportation and Public Works provides general support services within government, including corporate information technology.