When procuring temporary internet for a major construction project, a large-scale event, or a remote site, vague requirements lead to catastrophic failures. Asking a vendor for “fast, reliable WiFi” is not a specification; it is a wish.
To ensure you receive accurate bids and deploy a network that actually supports your operational needs, you must write a precise connectivity specification for your Request for Proposal (RFP) or tender document. This guide outlines the critical technical and operational requirements you must include.
1. Define the Primary Use Case and Environment
Vendors cannot design a network without understanding the physical environment and the primary business function it must support. Your specification must clearly state:
- The Physical Environment: Is the site an open field, a dense concrete building, a multi-story temporary structure, or a moving vehicle? Include site plans or architectural drawings if available.
- The Primary Function: Is the network supporting critical point-of-sale (POS) terminals, high-definition live streaming, cloud-based construction management software, or general event attendee browsing?
- Deployment Timeline: State the exact date the network must be operational. If you require a phased deployment (e.g., a small site office first, expanding to full site coverage later), detail this schedule. Providers like Click Telecom can deploy initial connectivity within 48 hours via emergency internet and scale up as the project progresses.
2. Specify Bandwidth and Throughput Requirements
Do not ask for “maximum speed.” You must specify your guaranteed bandwidth requirements, separating download and upload speeds.
- Dedicated vs. Shared: Explicitly state that you require dedicated, uncontended bandwidth. If a vendor provides a shared connection, your speeds will drop during peak times.
- Upload Requirements: Many businesses focus solely on download speeds. If your event involves live streaming or your construction site requires uploading large CAD files, you must specify a minimum guaranteed upload speed (e.g., “Minimum 50 Mbps dedicated upload capacity”).
- Concurrent Users and Devices: State the maximum number of devices that will connect simultaneously. Remember that one user often brings two devices (a phone and a laptop).
3. Mandate Redundancy and Failover Protocols
For critical operations, a single point of failure is unacceptable. Your tender must specify the level of resilience required.
- Hardware Redundancy: Require the vendor to provide redundant core routers and switches. If the primary router fails, a secondary unit must take over automatically.
- Connection Diversity: Specify that the primary and backup connections must use different technologies or different physical routing. For example, if the primary connection is a leased line, the backup should be a Bonded 5G or LEO Satellite connection.
- Failover Time: Define the maximum acceptable failover time. For VoIP calls and live streams, failover must occur in milliseconds (packet-level failover) to prevent the connection from dropping.
4. Detail Security and Compliance Standards
Temporary networks are frequent targets for cyberattacks. Your specification must outline strict security protocols.
- Network Segmentation: Require the vendor to segment the network using Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs). For example, POS terminals, production staff, and public attendees must all be on separate, isolated networks.
- Captive Portals and Authentication: If providing public WiFi, specify the authentication method required (e.g., email capture, social login, or SMS verification) and ensure it complies with GDPR data collection standards.
- Content Filtering: State whether you require DNS-level content filtering to block malicious websites or inappropriate content.
5. Establish Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and Support
The best hardware in the world is useless without adequate support when things go wrong. Your RFP must define the vendor’s responsibilities during the deployment.
- Uptime Guarantee: Specify the required uptime percentage (e.g., 99.99%).
- On-Site Support: For high-stakes events, mandate that a qualified network engineer must be physically present on-site for the duration of the event. This is standard practice for professional festival WiFi and exhibition WiFi deployments.
- Remote Monitoring: Require the vendor to provide 24/7 proactive remote monitoring of the network, with access to a real-time dashboard for your internal IT team.
- Response Times: Define strict Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for issue resolution, detailing financial penalties for failing to meet these targets.
| Requirement Category | Key Specification to Include |
|---|---|
| Bandwidth | Dedicated, uncontended speeds (Upload & Download) |
| Resilience | Diverse backup connection (e.g., Cellular or Satellite) |
| Security | VLAN segmentation for critical devices |
| Support | 24/7 monitoring and defined SLA response times |
By including these specific technical requirements in your tender document, you force vendors to design robust, enterprise-grade solutions rather than quoting for basic, consumer-level hardware.
If you are currently drafting a connectivity specification, our engineering team can assist. Explore our Construction Site Internet, Event WiFi, Temporary WiFi, or Technology Solutions to understand what to specify in your tender.
