Part 6. Communications and Portal Services.

§ 143B‑1370.  Communications services.

(a) The State CIO shall exercise authority for telecommunications and other communications included in information technology relating to the internal management and operations of State agencies. In discharging that responsibility, the State CIO shall do the following:

(1) Develop standards for a State network.

(2) Develop a detailed plan for the standardization and operation of State communications networks and services.

(3) Establish an inventory of communications systems in use within the State and ensure that the State is using the most efficient and cost‑effective means possible.

(4) Identify shortfalls in current network operations and develop a strategy to mitigate the identified shortfalls.

(5) Provide for the establishment, management, and operation, through either State ownership, by contract, or through commercial leasing, of the following systems and services as they affect the internal management and operation of State agencies:

a. Central telephone systems and telephone networks, including Voice over Internet Protocol and Commercial Mobile Radio Systems.

b. Satellite services.

c. Closed‑circuit TV systems.

d. Two‑way radio systems.

e. Microwave systems.

f. Related systems based on telecommunication technologies.

g. The "State Network," managed by the Department, which means any connectivity designed for the purpose of providing Internet Protocol transport of information for State agencies.

h. Broadband, including serving as the sole source of agency broadband maps.

(6) Coordinate the development of cost‑sharing systems for respective user agencies for their proportionate parts of the cost of maintenance and operation of the systems and services listed in subdivision (5) of this subsection.

(7) Assist in the development of coordinated telecommunications services or systems within and among all State agencies and recommend, where appropriate, cooperative utilization of telecommunication facilities by aggregating users.

(8) Perform traffic analysis and engineering for all telecommunications services and systems listed in subdivision (5) of this subsection.

(9) Establish telecommunications specifications and designs so as to promote and support compatibility of the systems within State agencies.

(10) Provide a periodic inventory of telecommunications costs, facilities, systems, and personnel within State agencies.

(11) Promote, coordinate, and assist in the design and engineering of emergency telecommunications systems, including, but not limited to, the 911 emergency telephone number program, Emergency Medical Services, and other emergency telecommunications services.

(12) Perform frequency coordination and management for State agencies and local governments, including all public safety radio service frequencies, in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Federal Communications Commission or any successor federal agency.

(13) Advise all State agencies on telecommunications management planning and related matters and provide through the State Personnel Training Center or the Department training to users within State agencies in telecommunications technology and systems.

(14) Assist and coordinate the development of policies and long‑range plans, consistent with the protection of citizens’ rights to privacy and access to information, for the acquisition and use of telecommunications systems, and base such policies and plans on current information about State telecommunications activities in relation to the full range of emerging technologies.

(b) The provisions of this section shall not apply to the Judicial Information System in the Judicial Department. (2015‑241, s. 7A.2(b); 2021‑180, s. 38.8(b).)