Title
Distributed Antenna System Solicitation Request
Description
This report requests that the Transportation, Infrastructure and Innovation Subcommittee recommend City Council approval to authorize the Aviation Department to issue a Revenue Contract Solicitation (RCS) for design, implementation, and ongoing operation and maintenance of an airport Distributed Antenna System (DAS) to improve cellular service at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX).
THIS ITEM IS FOR CONSENT ACTION.
Report
Summary
The cellular service at PHX is limited and inconsistent because of physical structures in and around the airport campus. Terminal buildings, parking garages, and other structures make it difficult to receive an optimal cellular service inside the terminals and concourse facilities.
On average, approximately 123,000 passengers pass though Sky Harbor facilities on a daily basis (pre-COVID-19). Robust and reliable cellular service is essential to provide passengers a world-class experience that enables them to stay connected while traveling. Passengers need robust cellular service for mobile check-in, in-app upgrades, and timely flight notifications from airlines. Furthermore, COVID-19 has increased the need to carry out traditional transactions in a "touchless" manner, which also requires ubiquitous and strong cellular service for all passengers. Improvement in these services cannot be made by relying on legacy outdoor towers. With the advent of 5G technology, passengers are looking for next-generation wireless experience in our facilities. Because of the Federal Communications Commission's designated 5G frequency spectrum, it is extremely difficult to provide 5G service inside airport terminals and other facilities from outdoor sites.
A DAS will provide the necessary infrastructure to deliver world-class 4G and 5G cellular service to passengers at PHX. It will ensure adequate coverage and capacity that is needed to support a wireless experience (such as streaming media, video, and online gaming) that is ubiquitous in today’s world and one that passengers expect while at the airport. The DAS will cover all public access areas of the airport in Terminals 3 and 4, the parking garages and the Rental Car Center and in select nonpublic areas.
This item has been reviewed and approved by the Information Technology Services Department.
Procurement Information
Aviation Department will issue an RCS to select a service provider to design, build, operate, and maintain the DAS system. Aviation intends to issue the solicitation in mid-December 2020. It is estimated that the contract will be awarded in May 2021.
Evaluation criteria for responsive and responsible respondents include:
- Method of approach;
- Qualifications and experience;
- Revenue to the airport; and
- Business plan and wireless service provider onboarding.
Contract Term
The term of the contract will be 10 years, with two one-year options to extend that may be exercised at the sole discretion of the Aviation Director.
Financial Impact
Revenue will be set at a later date based on market data.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
The Phoenix Aviation Advisory Board recommended approval of this item on Sept. 17, 2020, by a vote of 7-0.
Location
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport - 3400 E. Sky Harbor Blvd.
Council District: 8
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Mario Paniagua and the Aviation Department.