The overview
The WAN transmits all network traffic; virtual desktop infrastructure, or VDI; Wi-Fi and wired data throughout the district, starting at the Educational Service Center and extending out to all 19 campuses in PISD. It is made up of fiber-optic connections, according to district agenda documents.
On Jan. 24, PISD officials issued a request for proposals for the WAN to get responses from interested firms to provide services for the district. These responses were due to the district on March 3, according to agenda documents.
After receiving five responses from AT&T Corporation; Interfacing Company of Texas; Phonoscope Inc.; PS Lightwave Inc.; and WANRack, LLC, district officials believe PS Lightwave’s five-year proposal met the expectations desired for the district, according to agenda documents.
The five-year proposal totals $591,888, according to agenda documents.
A closer look
Although the district’s provider is PS Lightwave Inc., the district’s 10-gigabyte connections are due for renewal this coming year, calling for a new contract, according to agenda documents.
If the contract with PS Lightwave is approved, it will begin on July 1 and last through June 30, 2029. The district will also save a little more than $37,500 from PS Lightwave’s previous five-year contract.
