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The Digital Transformation Agency (DTA) has initiated a request for information (RfI) process as it looks to replace the expiring Mobile Panel, the expired Telecommunications Management Panel and the current Telecommunications Services Panel, with a new single Telecommunications Panel.
The new panel will not only consolidate the three panels mentioned but will also include other categories currently not present under any panel arrangement.
"Products and services provided by the current Telecommunications Services Panel, such as managed WAN, transport data link, and internet connection services, will still be accessible via the new panel," the DTA said.
The upcoming Telecommunications Panel (TP) will be designed in order to include new services and categories as technology and requirement changes.
The DTA said it plans to open the panel on a periodic basis that new suppliers may have the opportunity to join the panel and that existing suppliers can bid on new products and service categories. With this, the DTA expects to ensure access to new technology and services and increase competition.
Suppliers will be able to update their service offers with prior approval.
The DTA has also put out a discussion paper in order to find a methodology that best supports "the progression from the traditional product silos to a flexible and outcomes based and presents a purchasing system in line with contemporary telecommunications services".
As part of the discussion paper, the DTA will also look into developing panel contract arrangements that applies to unified communications (UC), UC-as-a-service and SD-WAN.
Moreover, the DTA is looking to include network services such as dark fibre, transport data link services, internet connection services, managed LAN service, managed WAN and SD-WAN.
Voice, video, conferencing and contact centre services will also be discussed. Other services will include mobile and professional services.
