Philips and Siemens are in competition for a contract with San Jose to complete the modernization of the city’s streetlights.
San Jose began modernizing streetlights to LED versions in 2007, and in 2013 the city entered a pilot collaboration with Philips Corp.
The Philips agreement included installing 50 SmartPoles and modernizing 15 others in the surrounding areas.
SmartPoles include LED lights and microcell technology, which can be used for wireless cellular service or network enhancement.
“Mobile data traffic is projected to grow tenfold over the next five years,” a statement from the city says. “In the past, telecom providers would build cell towers to carry cellphone calls, texts and broadband traffic. This SmartPole pilot is an opportunity to test emerging small-cell technology and see if it is a viable alternative to installing cell towers and poles in our neighborhoods. With the growth in smartphones and tablets, data needs have increased exponentially in recent years.”
Following an RFP, the City Council was prepared to adopt a contract with Siemens that could cost up to $36.7 million. The contract would connect the remaining 61 percent of streetlights through a “smart controller.”
However, Philips protested the RFP, and the city council reviewed it. After the city overruled the complaint, Philips filed a second appeal.
City Council members have put off hearing the item until the appeal is reviewed a second time and a broadband strategy can be built, according to Tuesday’s City Council agenda.
Some city staff are also concerned about privacy and believe that all video recording capabilities should be disabled near private property.
