§ 54-59-08 — Required use of wide area network services

Each state agency and institution that desires access to wide area network services and
each county, city, and school district that desires access to wide area network services to
transmit voice, data, or video outside that county, city, or school district shall obtain those
services from the department. The chief information officer may exempt from the application of
this section a county, city, or school district that demonstrates its current wide area network
services are more cost-effective for or more appropriate for the specific needs of that county,
city, or school district than wide area network services available from the department. For
purposes of enhanced 911 and next generation 9-1-1 communications services, governmental
entities are exempt from the provisions of this section. In selecting enhanced 911 and next
generation 9-1-1 communication network providers, governmental entities shall select providers
that are cost-effective, demonstrably reliable, and which follow interoperable standards set by
the emergency services communications coordinating committee.