Mobile voice and data services - second generation
Framework Description
Mobile Voice and Data Services (SP-22-005) is the Scottish Government's single-supplier framework with Vodafone Ltd for mobile telecoms across the Scottish public sector, except the NHS, which has its own arrangement. It re-lets the previous mobile framework and runs from 15 April 2023 to 14 April 2027. It covers voice, data, 5G, mobile IoT, devices and managed mobility services. This framework is used by the Scottish Government and APUC.
Context & Use Case
Central government, councils, universities, colleges, the third sector and other public bodies use it for staff mobiles, lone worker services and connected devices. Buyers make a direct award to Vodafone, so there is no further competition, and they choose handsets from a public sector device catalogue. Fixed telephony and WAN connectivity are bought through other routes.
Scope of Services
Voice, SMS and data, including shared and unlimited options International calls and data Mobile devices and accessories via a public sector catalogue 5G, mobile IoT and APN services Lone and remote worker services Mobile device management, data wiping and disposal Device insurance and professional and managed services
Lots
See framework link
Who Can Apply
Mobile network operators and resellers able to serve the whole Scottish public estate suit this framework, but applications are closed, with Vodafone as sole supplier. The re-procurement, likely to come before 14 April 2027, is the next opportunity.
Buyer Benefits
Tariffs are benchmarked annually, international use is simplified with UK allowances abroad, and device wiping and recycling is free. Where Vodafone coverage is weak, alternative networks may be offered, which matters for rural and island bodies, and a direct award avoids the cost of running a competition.
Next Steps
Mobile operators and resellers should prepare now for the re-procurement before 14 April 2027. Check the Scottish Government's framework page for a prior information or contract notice, and build evidence on coverage across Scotland, tariff benchmarking, device lifecycle and recycling, security accreditation and Fair Work. Partnerships may help resellers meet a national scope.
How Athena Can Help
The re-let of this framework is about six months from the current end date and is likely to be in preparation now. Athena's bid project management plans the response timeline, writes to the evaluation criteria and checks compliance before submission.
For resellers who cannot bid alone, our telecoms framework mapping identifies telecoms frameworks and DPSs you can join now, and mobile tender bid advice helps you decide where to compete and where to partner.
