Network Services 4
Summary
This framework, let under Procurement Act 2023, will give public sector organisations access to a wide range of networks and telecommunications services, products and solutions.
Description
This framework replaces Network Services 3, which currently allows customers to buy:
- network solutions
- communication services
- connectivity to cloud-based data and applications
- audio and video conferencing
- radio and satellite networking
- emerging technologies such as internet of things (IoT) and smart cities
The final scope and lot structure for Network Services 4 may differ from Network Services 3, following feedback and outputs from industry and stakeholder engagement
Benefits
- a dedicated route to market for buying networks and telecoms services
- templates and guidance to support the buying process
- flexibility: customers can buy full solutions or modular components
- a simpler lot structure, making it easier to choose the right route to market
Product Types
The scope and lot structure for this framework are still being finalised. The current lots under Network Services 3 are:
- inter site connectivity (WAN) / Data access services
- commercial radio capabilities
- tactical radio systems
- critical domain services
- intra site connectivity (LAN) / Local connectivity services
- IoT and smart cities (smart shared and connected spaces)
- communication platform as a service
- analogue telephony
- digital communication services (unified communications)
- contact centre solutions
- inbound telephony services
- paging and alerting
The final scope and Lot structure for Network Services 4 may change, depending on feedback from industry and stakeholder engagement.
Customer engagement
Customer engagement is planned to start in September 2025.
Supplier engagement
Supplier engagement began in August 2025. We are seeking feedback on the scope and lot structure of Network Services 4. You can give feedback through the survey link.
Important links
| Pipeline notice | Read pipeline notice |
| Preliminary market engagement notice | Not available yet |
| Planned procurement notice | Not available yet |
| Contract notice in Find a Tender (FTS) | Not available yet |
| Tender documents | Not available yet |
Timeline
| Activity | Estimated dates |
|---|---|
| Pre-market engagement | August 2025 to April 2026 |
| Drafting of procurement documents | May to August 2026 |
| Publication of FTS notice | August 2026 |
| Framework award | February 2027 |