PRRD extends TELUS contract

DAWSON CREEK, B.C. — The Peace River Regional District (PRRD) voted in favour of extending their TELUS Cellular Phone Services contract by two years for $95,000 during their March 21st meeting.  

The board first made a Request For Proposal in March 2021 for qualified telecommunication companies to provide phone services for staff and cellular connectivity to its transfer and landfill stations.  

The report also says the PRRD relies on cellular services for fleet vehicle tracking and maintenance monitoring. 

The PRRD first issued a three-year contract to TELUS on June 10th, 2021, at a cost of $117,720, with a two-year extension option offered. 

Staff have used the TELUS contract to provide services such as cellular plans for smartphones, landfill/transfer station cellular connectivity, and water station connectivity since July 2021. 

“TELUS has been effectively servicing mobility needs throughout the contract term,” said the report. 

According to a report to the board, the PRRD plans to modernize its infrastructure by installing Smartlink technology to replace its current software to enhance operational speed, reliability, and serviceability. 

The contract extension will allow staff to install the technology gradually and not create substantial challenges with the existing wireless modern infrastructure. It is not clear when the Starlink technology installations will be completed. 

Starlink is the world’s first and largest satellite able to deliver high-speed internet for individuals or businesses around the world. 

The full report can be viewed below: