Scope
Description
Provision of SIM cards and mobile data services to support the onboard communication infrastructure of Northern Railways' fleet.
Contract 1
Supplier
Contract value
- £2,457,600 excluding VAT
- £2,949,120 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Earliest date the contract will be signed
23 April 2025
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2030
- 5 years
Main procurement category
Services
Options
The right to additional purchases while the contract is valid.
The contract has the option to add more data/SIMS
CPV classifications
- 64210000 - Telephone and data transmission services
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Special regime
Utilities
Direct award justification
Single supplier - technical reasons
Northern Trains Limited intends to directly award British Telecommunications Limited the contract for the supply of SIM cards and data provision services. This decision is based on our established partnership with British Telecommunications Limited, which already supplies various data sources integral to Northern's operations.
Northern Trains Limited operates fleets of trains equipped with sophisticated hardware that relies on onboard routers to facilitate seamless communication while in transit. To ensure the continued functionality and operational efficiency of these systems, as well as Northern's comprehensive data management infrastructure, it is imperative to maintain compatibility with the SIM cards provided by British Telecommunications Limited. Following an evaluation process, alternative Mobile Network Operators were found incapable of meeting Northern's commercial requirements for maintaining the existing routers on our fleet nor meet the technical requirements for interoperability and the essential availability required by our systems.
This direct award to British Telecommunications Limited is essential for ensuring uninterrupted service provision and maintaining the high standards of service and reliability that our passengers expect and deserve.
Supplier
BRITISH TELECOMMUNICATIONS PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY
- Companies House: 01800000
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PRYC-1538-TGMN
1 Braham Street
London
E1 8EE
United Kingdom
Email: ccsframeworks@bt.com
Website: http://www.bt.com
Region: UKI42 - Tower Hamlets
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1
Contracting authority
NORTHERN TRAINS LIMITED
- Companies House: 03076444
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PZCJ-2164-HJQZ
George Stephenson House
York
YO1 6JT
United Kingdom
Region: UKE21 - York
Organisation type: Public authority - central government