As part of the Provincial Government’s overall plan to help improve connectivity throughout the province, the Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, today announced that the department is issuing a request for proposals (RFP) to identify potential connectivity solutions along roadways with significant mobility service gaps.
The department is seeking professional services from qualified consultants with specialized telecommunications/communications technology expertise to identify potential mobile LTE or better solutions along major roadways with significant service gaps in Newfoundland and Labrador.
This RFP follows a call for proposals to cellular providers in December 2023 and an expression of interest from communities who wish to be considered for improved cellular service within communities, which closed in September 2023.
While telecommunications, including broadband and mobile connectivity services, falls within the constitutional jurisdiction of the federal government, the Provincial Government is committed to identifying innovative and best-fit solutions for connectivity improvements along major roadways.
This work will help inform the Provincial Government of future opportunities and identify approaches to improving mobile connectivity on major driving routes.
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“Our government remains committed to working to identify and find creative ways to improve cellular service throughout the province. Improved connectivity will have a positive effect on business and economic development, public safety, health, education and the delivery of public services to all residents.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology
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BACKGROUNDER
Request for Proposals for Professional Services – Technical Consulting for Connectivity Solutions along Major Roadways
The Department of Industry, Energy and Technology is seeking professional services to identify potential mobile LTE or better standard connectivity solutions along major roadways with significant mobility service gaps in Newfoundland and Labrador.
The consultant must have demonstrated experience internationally, within Canada, and/or within Newfoundland and Labrador for similar projects in the areas of telecommunications, communications technology, technical analysis, market and financial analysis, planning and assessment for industrial clients and/or on behalf of a provincial or national government agency. The proponent must be in good standing with the province of Newfoundland and Labrador.
The successful proponent is to:
- Gather and analyze information about existing infrastructure and coverage along major roadways with significant mobility service gaps.
- Identify best-fit solutions and related technical and financial requirements.
- Prepare a synopsis report of observations and recommendations, including estimated costs, probable outcomes, and limitations of proposed solutions.
Submission procedures are to be followed by all proponents. Proponents should carefully read and follow the procedures required by this Request for Proposals, as any deviation from these requirements may be cause for rejection of the submission. The person authorized to sign on behalf of the Proponent and to bind the Proponent to statements made in response to this Request for Proposals must sign the proposal.
Proposals are to outline the technical and financial requirements to improve cellular coverage along major roadways with significant mobility service gaps, as per the ISED National Broadband Internet Service Availability Map and CRTC Roads without LTE Map.
Proposals are to be submitted via email to:
Kirk Youden
Department of Industry, Energy and Technology
Telephone: 709-729-7274
Email: kirkyouden@gov.nl.ca
Proposals must be submitted by 12:00 p.m. NST, January 26, 2024. The Department will provide written confirmation that the proposal is received. The project completion date is May 3, 2024.