The state Department of Administration has just signed a contract amendment for digital cellular service. The mandatory contract with US Cellular now includes both analog and digital cellular service.
Provisions exist for exchanging equipment and upgrading from analog to digital.
The existing contract has been extended through November 2001. Rates for 1999-2000 remain the same as last year and are the same for either analog or digital service. Departments requesting new cellular service receive a free analog or digital telephone with their order. The state Department of Administration Bureau of Telecommunications Management has decided to replace the current Lucent Technologies system with a more functional and service-oriented platform from Baypoint Innovations. The new platform promises to provide more capabilities, new technology, and reduced pricing.