Telecom Networks framework launched today

Channel players are included in the 37-strong list of approved suppliers

The government-led Telecom Networks Framework agreement, goes live today.

With a total of 37 agreed suppliers listed including channel players such as Affiniti, Azzurri Communications and Computacenter, the framework covers the purchase of 12 types of comms technology including voice calls and lines, point to point circuits, infrastructure and connectivity, wireless data and ISP services.

Afshin Attari, Head of Public Sector and Utilities for Affiniti said: “This win really puts Affiniti on the map as a leading supplier of services and solutions to the public sector and promises to deliver combined contracts worth multi-millions in the first year.

"The award of these Catalist Telecom Network Framework Agreements complements the Specialist Solutions agreements we won early last year. It means that customers now have the choice of purchasing our products either built into tailor-made solutions or as simple best value telecommunications services,” he said.

Victoria Bowley, a representative for OGC Buying Solutions (the procurement arm of the Treasury) claimed that the framework will save tax-payers money.

"By policing this market we provide public sector organisations with the means to get the best value for money," she said.

Rajesh Sinha technical director for Bailey Teswaine, also on the list of suppliers, agreed that savings could be passed onto the taxpayer:

"The suppliers on board have to comply with certain security and quality of service standards, it's as simple as that,” he said. “I don't think there will be any hoop jumping involved and suppliers won't need to whack up their prices to compensate. The right procedures are in place and this should be an efficient competitive market.”

For a full list of suppliers, click here:

http://online.ogcbuyingsolutions.gov.uk/news/detai ls.html?id=265]