Wide Area Network (WAN) & Internet Services

The Wisconsin Wide Area Network (WAN) & Internet Services state-wide contract (Contract #505ENT-M23-NTWRKSRVCS-00) provides comprehensive telecommunications services for state agencies, University of Wisconsin campuses, and authorized public bodies. The vehicle offers a range of network and internet services including Wide Area Network (WAN) services, high-availability internet service provider (ISP) services for state data centers, general ISP services, and internet access for educational institutions. Procurable services span multiple technology categories such as fiber and copper-based connectivity, with bandwidth options ranging from 10 Mbps to 100 Gbps, symmetrical and asymmetrical internet connections, and value-added network security and infrastructure solutions.

The contract was awarded to five prime contractors: AT&T Corp., Charter-Spectrum Enterprise, Lumen Technologies (CenturyLink Communications), Brightspeed Broadband LLC, and WiscNet. The contract has an initial three-year term with two optional one-year renewal periods, covering statewide and national service areas. Pricing follows a "not-to-exceed" portfolio model where authorized users must solicit quotes from all available contractors within a service category, with selection based on lowest cost, ability to meet business requirements, and service delivery timing. The contract supports cooperative purchasing for Wisconsin municipalities and public bodies, with recommended order terms limited to 12-month periods to maintain flexibility between providers.