PSN connectivity framework suppliers revealed

PSN connectivity framework suppliers revealed

12 companies join the framework for the public sector's network of networks

The Cabinet Office has announced the successful bidders for the Public Services Network (PSN) connectivity framework.

The cross-government framework covers a managed telecoms service to facilitate collaboration and secure communication between central and local government, the NHS, voluntary organisations and other public sector bodies.

The Cabinet Office invited 17 vendors to bid for a place on the framework for the network of networks, 16 of which did so.

Of the 16, 12 were successful: BT, Cable & Wireless, Capita Business Services, Eircom, Fujitsu, Kcom, Level 3, Logicalis, MDNX, Thales, Updata and Virgin Media Business.

The framework will be worth between £500m and £3bn, according to the original tender document.

Among the services the successful bidders will be expected to provide are network connectivity services including local and wide area networking; information assurance services including network separation; and design, deployment, transition and business continuity services including consultancy.

The connectivity framework lasts two years, with two one-year extension options.

A second key framework for the PSN, covering services, is expected to be announced in the coming months .