The City has provided free Wi-Fi in community parks for the last five years. The City was able to provide this amenity to our residents and visitors through a successful partnership with Wave Broadband. The current agreement with Wave Broadband will expire in June 2020. Staff has been working with Wave to negotiate a new agreement that is beneficial for both parties.
Along with negotiations, staff has researched the popularity and use of the free park Wi-Fi. According to the City’s analytics, over 22,000 people logged in and used this amenity last year (Aug 2018–Aug 2019) with an average use time of 00:05:45 (see Exhibit A).
Highlighted terms for the existing agreement and new proposed agreement are below.
Existing Agreement:
- Provide free Wi-Fi at the five (5) community parks.
- Monthly service fee of $1,500/month ($300/park)
- Total annual cost $18,000
- In-kind marketing services (streetlight banners, P&R event sponsorship, park signage, etc.)
- 5 year term
New Agreement:
- Provide free Wi-Fi at the five (5) community parks.
- Monthly service fee of $1,650/month ($330/park)
- Total annual cost $19,800
- In-kind marketing services (streetlight banners, P&R event sponsorship, park signage, etc.)
- Wave to install updated equipment at all locations
- 5 year term, either party may terminate upon 60 days written notice
Wi-Fi will be available from 5 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., seven days per week. Wi-Fi will be shut off at all other times.
Staff is aware this service benefits not only every day park users but also the youth sports leagues and all of their patrons. In discussions with all the responding leagues, we are attempting to accommodate their requests and recommendations pertaining to Wi-Fi at community parks.