A request for proposals to provide free wi-fi in North East Hamilton is nearing its deadline, with vendors asked to submit by 5pm this Wednesday March 12. The Bermuda Economic Development Corporation has revived the initiative, which aims to boost connectivity in the area’s commercial core.

Erika Smith, the executive director of the BEDC, confirmed earlier to The Royal Gazette that the project is a reboot of a previous plan that stalled due to Covid-19 priorities and economic recovery efforts.

“We did select a vendor at the time, but we didn’t progress with the project because we were focused on Covid-19 and supporting the businesses through that period, and also focusing on the Economic Recovery Plan projects that were allocated to BEDC to work on,” Ms Smith said when the RFP was first announced.

She explained that the revised project has a smaller coverage area, focusing on Court Street and one block over on each side. The BEDC has encouraged previous applicants to review the updated scope and reapply if still interested. “We’ve learnt more about wi-fi and how to deploy it in public spaces,” Ms Smith said.

The RFP outlines specific requirements, including system design, equipment and licensing provision, installation, system monitoring and maintenance. Vendors must also propose a plan to recover their monthly operational costs.

Proposals must be submitted via e-mail to dhunt@bedc.bm with a copy to esmith@bedc.bm. Submissions should be labelled with the subject line “BEDC NEH EEZ Wi-Fi Service RFP —”.

According to the RFP, the selection process will include an evaluation of project methodology, a cost breakdown, proposed subcontracting plans and any social, environmental and economic factors at play. Vendors must also demonstrate their ability to meet security, performance and reliability standards. The BEDC said it aims to select a vendor by April 2, though this date may change.

Ms Smith emphasised the broader impact of the project, noting that reliable public wi-fi could support businesses, students and community events while promoting economic growth and development in the area.