DEPARTMENT: Aviation
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Russell J. Handy
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
Joint Use Agreement with San Antonio MTA dba Verizon Wireless at the San Antonio International Airport
SUMMARY:
This ordinance authorizes a five-year joint use agreement (JUA) with San Antonio MTA, L.P. dba Verizon Wireless (Verizon) to allow the equipment to improve cellular phone reception for Verizon customers in the terminals at the San Antonio International Airport at SAT.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The customer experience is a top priority for the San Antonio Airport System. SAT is committed to providing travelers a world class experience and we are constantly seeking opportunities to innovate and improve. The cell tower signal to the airport and surrounding community for Verizon customers has been impacted by the Consolidated Rental Car facility (CONRAC) facility. To improve the interior and exterior signal strength, the Airport System and Verizon have worked on developing a short-term and long-term solution. As part of the short-term interior facility solution, the Airport System and Verizon entered into a Right-of Entry (ROE) agreement in February 2018 to allow Verizon to install an In-Building Radio Distribution System (IBRDS) to improve the cellular signal in the terminals before the NCAA Final Four event began in March 2018. The ROE agreement expires in August 2018.
The Joint Use Agreement will allow the IBRDS to remain and Verizon to continue to access designated airport property to procure, install, operate and maintain the equipment necessary to improve interior cellular phone reception for their customers for a term of five years. Verizon will be responsible for all costs for the installation, operating, maintenance and repairing of the equipment.
The long-term solution to increase exterior cell signal strength requires a second Verizon antenna to be located on the roof of Terminal B. The Airport System will bring to City Council an amendment to the current cell tower lease agreement with Verizon for consideration before the end of 2018. This amendment for the second antenna tower will be coterminous with the current Verizon agreement. The long term solution to increase interior signal strength for all airport users, regardless of the cellular network they use, requires a Distributed Antenna System (DAS). The Airport System has issued a solicitation for a neutrally-hosted DAS to improve voice, data and public safety signals in the terminal buildings, parking garages and CONRAC. The DAS system will be presented as a 20 year agreement and not conflict with the service provided by the Verizon cell tower nor their IBRDS. If the IBRDS solution is found to be duplicative to the DAS, either the Airport System and Verizon may choose to terminate the IBRDS Agreement.
ISSUE:
City Council authorization is required for joint use agreements.
This Ordinance authorizes a five-year JUA with Verizon to allow the equipment to improve cellular phone reception in the terminals at the San Antonio International Airport at SAT.
ALTERNATIVES:
City Council could elect to not approve the JUA with Verizon. However, Verizon is offering to procure, install, operate and maintain the equipment necessary to improve cellular phone reception for their customers as a no-cost enhancement to cellular coverage for all airport users and employees.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact for this item. Verizon will be responsible for all costs to procure, install, operate, repair and maintain the equipment.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the JUA with Verizon for improving cellular phone reception for Verizon customers at SAT.