Government seeks new mobile communications contract

The provincial government is adapting its communication tools to reflect an increasingly mobile and wireless world.

Government is requesting proposals from providers for a new smartphone and cell phone contract for government employees, which will also include health, crown corporations and agencies, and the Legislative Assembly. The current contract with Bell Mobility will expire this August.

“Across society, and within the provincial government, we are seeing a move towards a more mobile workforce,” Finance Minister Allen Roach said. “By pursuing a new contract, we are working to ensure our public servants have the right tools to do their jobs while providing the best value for Island taxpayers.”

The request for proposals comes at a time of increasing competition and emergence of new technologies in the mobile wireless service market. Approximately 35 per cent of Prince Edward Government’s front line employees are mobile, delivering programs and services across the province.

There are currently 1,900 active cell phones within government. During the term of the proposed new mobile contract, government anticipates a reduction of its number of land phone lines by nearly 40 per cent.

The new contract’s services will also be made available to other public bodies such as municipalities, the education sector, and other agencies if they wish to participate.

At the same time, government’s Treasury Board Secretariat has been working with departments and agencies to determine current and future mobility needs. It has also met with mobility service and communication providers to gain a better understanding of the services and technologies that are now available.

Media contact:
Mary Moszynski
Premier’s Office
902-368-4400
mamoszynski@gov.pe.ca