Shortcomings in government incentives for high-capacity network expansion are stifling the ability of altnets to serve UK business growth, according to Neos Networks.
Wed, 9/02/2022 - 11:49
The DCMS has launched new Regional Supplier procurements in Cambridgeshire and the north east of England, as well as Local Supplier procurements in rural Dorset, north Northumberland and Teesdale, according to the DCMS’ Project Delivery Plan, Winter Update.
This means that six procurements are currently live (as shown below) with a total indicative contract value of £292.3m.
The DCMS is also currently consulting with the market about details for upcoming procurements in Cornwall, Norfolk, Suffolk, Hampshire and Shropshire.
Context
The policy paper notes that procurements are being used to test and debug new processes before ramping up rapidly.
The paper reads: “Our strategy is to use local supplier procurements in order to involve smaller, localised suppliers in the programme, including those who specialise in building networks in rural and remote areas.
“Regional supplier procurements target large areas (typically 40,000 - 100,000 uncommercial premises) most suitable for telecoms providers with substantial operational capacity and financial backing.”
Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Rt Hon. Nadine Dorries MP, said: “We are improving the procurement process. From the start of this year we are collecting detailed gigabit build plans from suppliers so that we can better plan our procurement intervention areas, streamline our Open Market Reviews and avoid any overlap with suppliers’ commercial plans.
