Recommended RFP Question

Explain your community details and needs

• Provide background and introduction of your community.
• Be sure to include details on the types of homes in the community (e.g., single-family homes, condos) and the total number of homes/units of each.
• Project goals and scope of services.
• Anticipated selection schedule.
• Time and place for submission of proposals.
• Evaluation criteria.

Ask about construction process

• How long will be needed for infrastructure installation?
• Do you provide a 100% new fiber Infrastructure?
• Where is the network hub located that would provide service to our community?
• How will the line from a distribution hub to each unit be run? How deep will it be buried? If all wiring is underground, how will roads be crossed?
• How will the termination in each unit be done?
• What access to residence units will be required during installation?
• How will fiber enter the unit/home from the outside?
• Provide an overview of the method of delivery to each resident unit and a list of on-premise equipment.
• Will landscaping be restored weekly throughout the construction process?
• Will there be a dedicated construction coordinator managing the project?

Ask about customer experience/service

• Is it 100% U.S.-based customer support?
• What are the guarantees around response time to answer the phone?
• Will there be a dedicated support phone number for the property?
• How long does it take to get support/technician to your house?
• Is there a charge if an onsite service call is required?
• Provide an overview of company history including a brief narrative pertaining to your current operating structure within the market, technical qualifications, and experience.
• Provide a minimum of three (3) references relating to communities you currently provide services comparable to those you are proposing.

Ask about internet services

• Provide the sustained download/upload speeds that would be achieved by residents as part of the bulk Internet service.
• Are internet speeds symmetrical?
• What are the details of the WiFi equipment, including the generation of technology?
• Are there Data Capacity limits and overage charges?
• Do you offer whole-home managed WiFi technology in each home?
• What average size unit will WiFi cover?
• What internet speed is provided? What are the costs of higher internet speeds?
• Are internet speeds contractually guaranteed?
• Will you provide internet speed upgrades or technology upgrades throughout the time period in the contract?
• Do you offer a plan for internet capacity expansion?

Ask about phone services

• Provide pricing for local, long distance and international calling plans.
• List phone calling features included.

Ask about television services

• Is there a DVR capability, how many simultaneous recordings, what capacity?
• Are there additional costs for set-top boxes to watch on every TV?
• Am I able to watch my channel lineup at a secondary home if I am a seasonal resident?
• Is the remote control voice-capable?
• Provide your company’s complete channel line-up and specify any provider supplied equipment (and its cost) required to enable viewing.
• Describe all equipment (i.e. Set top boxes), type and quantity, needed by individual residents to support the bulk video service delivery.
• Are live TV and Streaming apps all in one platform?
• Describe the entertainment features including On Demand, DVR, use with other platforms like Firestick, and viewing on other devices.
• Will there be flexibility in the agreement to potentially remove bulk video?