Crexendo offers Marlborough alternative to copper phone lines; installation fee $2,500

Chairman Paight opened the meeting at 10:00 a.m., and Adam Southwell of Crexendo outlined a proposal to provide phone equipment and services to Marlborough’s municipal facilities. Southwell said the company could save the town money on equipment and services and could provide an alternative to traditional copper lines for alarms and fax machines. "There is a one-time installation and setup fee of $2,500.00," Southwell told the board. Phones were described as rent-to-own over a five-year term with a lifetime warranty, and Southwell said all services except internet would move from the town’s current vendor, Fidium, to Crexendo.

Town Administrator Ellen Smith and Southwell agreed that Crexendo would investigate the town’s existing phone and alarm systems to determine compatibility and next steps; Southwell said he would email Smith with follow-up information. The company also said there would be no additional charge for long-distance calls. The board did not take immediate action at the July 29 meeting; staff will report back after reviewing the town’s current systems and the written proposal from Crexendo.