Government to help simplify broadband procurement process

The government is developing a framework of broadband service providers designed to simplify the procurement process for local authorities.

According to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the Framework Agreement will allow councils and developed administrations to select firms from the pre-qualified list through call-off contracts, meaning they do not have to undertake the work themselves.

The government believes this approach will save both time and money compared to independent procurement processes for the public sector and suppliers.

As far as broadband providers are concerned, the strategy will mean they only need to bid once to be selected for the framework, rather than 40 times for individual processes across the country.

The Welsh Assembly Government recently announced it is extending its Broadband Support Scheme to help expand services across the nation.

It means private sector organisations, third sector groups and individuals located in 'slowspots' - where internet connectivity is below 2Mbps - will be able to apply for funding to access a broadband network.