£230m BBC networking deal up for grabs

Contract could last for 10 years

The BBC is inviting IT suppliers to bid for a huge IT contract which could be worth up to £230m over 10 years.

The Connectivity Services framework requires suppliers to provide a range of kit such as networks, data services, IT services and consulting and telecoms.

The deal will initially run for seven years but at the BBC's discretion it could be extended by a further three years. In total, it will be worth between £150m and £230m, it said in a recent tender document.

"The Connectivity Services [deal] provides all interconnections which support both the broadcast signal interconnections and enterprise IT networks," the BBC said.

"This will include high-capacity core network connectivity between fixed sites with a range of presentations to include point-to-point and point-to-multipoint circuits conforming to specified broadcast circuit performance parameters as well as enterprise data circuits.

"The chosen supplier will also be required to supply a range of standard telecommunications products and services to any specified site. These will include (but are not limited to) permanent and temporary private circuits and direct exchange lines."