Telecommunications Agreements Renewed, Others Go To Tender

The tendering of three contracts and the renewal of six others will mean the province will get the best price possible on telecommunications services.

Nova Scotia has nine agreements with service providers Bell Aliant, Eastlink, Rogers and Bell Mobility. Six of the nine agreements, ranging from wireless to data network services, will be renewed. Contracts for long distance and corporate internet services will go to tender. A ninth agreement for high-speed internet services for small offices, small medical facilities and employees who work at remote sites, will be put out to standing offer.

Placing the services on standing offer allows submissions by multiple vendors across the province, and government access to services in areas that may have been previously under-served.

"We're renewing the contracts that are providing the best value, and going to tender where we think we can get more value for taxpayers' dollars," said Frank Corbett, Minister responsible for Information Management. "Telecommunications is a significant cost for government and making sure we're getting the best value for money is an important part of living within our means."

The province's telecommunications agreements were signed in 2008. It is considered best practice to sign three-year contracts, with an option for additional years. Most of the province's contracts are for three years with two options for an additional year. One of two wireless agreements will be renewed for two years at significant savings.

Future telecommunications contracts will be shaped by a unified communications strategy. The strategy will look to improve efficiencies in communication technologies, both from a process and a cost-improvement perspective.