Decision details

The Executive Members have approved the Council’s proposal to enter into a 5-year contract with MLL Telecom for the supply and set up of security and connectivity equipment, backhaul & Internet circuits, and network management services.

The financial commitment as a result of the decision is £433k capital, predominantly for equipment that will be owned by the Councils. The £53k revenue pa covers the operating costs and aligns with the financial profile set out in the 09/06/2020 JSC report: Moving forward with Citizen Wi-Fi.

The capital payment of £433k will be fully funded by Local Growth Funds (LGF) through the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and the £53k pa revenue costs will be covered by established revenue budgets and savings realised from the rationalisation of existing Council connectivity services. 

Adur Executive Member for Resources: Happy to agree the recommendations for the reasons set out in the report.

Worthing Executive Member for Digital & Environmental Services:

This contract represents a giant leap forward for the digital infrastructure in our town and will bring important on and offline benefits to our residents and visitors alike. The external funding of the equipment and the proportionately low revenue costs make this an attractive prospect which I am happy to support.

Adur Executive Member for Resources - No alternative options considered appropriate.

Worthing Executive Member for Digital & Environmental Services - I believe this option is the right mix in terms of owning the infrastructure and layering on the support/service element. Doing nothing would not be an option and having discussed options that are either fully managed or fully owned this mix represents, in my view, the most efficient use of public money.