The Provision of Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and the Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) and related services

This request constitutes a continuation waiver following the original waiver approved in 2024 for £50,000. As the approved value has now been fully utilised, a further waiver is required to ensure the ongoing provision of the service.

The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and the Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) will be switched off by 31st January 2027 with UK telecom industry upgrading landline services to new digital technology such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), Digital Voice or Internet Protocol (IP) technology. The telecom industry in the UK is retiring analogue telephone networks such PSTN and ISDN as they have been in operation for decades and have reached the end of their serviceable life; due to difficulties in sourcing parts to maintain and repair connections as suppliers are no longer manufacturing them.

A general country wide ramification of PSTN and ISDN networks being switched off means that any devices connected to phone line such as access control system, CCTV alarm systems using these networks will stop working. More specifically the implication for Royal Berkshire Fire Authority (RBFA) is that these networks are utilised to receive critical 999 calls in its control centre for all three Thames Valley Partners through the Unicorn agreement which has come to an end on 31st July 2024 with no option for extension.

The rationale for this service to be waivered is for the authority to directly contract with BT as a rolling contract to transfer legacy network services from Unicorn contract to RBFA. This is being done due to the market being restricted with suppliers ceasing selling of new traditional phones lines as of September 2023 and the agreement under which these services are currently sourced coming to an end on 31st July 2024.

It is essential that the Service have these network services to maintain continuity of service for the authority to fulfil its vital statutory duty and allow the authority to complete the migration to a new service. Procurement process and new digital technology for its landline requirement have been conducted and a contract for a new solution signed with BT.

However, as the migration is contingent on infrastructure and services being deployed, the current service must be maintained in the interim. Therefore, the recommendation is to award the contract for PSTN and ISDN to BT to maintain continuity of service to receive critical 999 calls, essential for the authority to perform its statutory duty until the authority completes its procurement process to source new digital technology for its landline requirement. Because effective competition is prevented due telecom sector led initiative to switch off legacy landline technology, the supply or service is unique to a single supplier such as proprietary or patented goods or is deemed necessary due to the requirements of operational alignment and there is no satisfactory alternative as no other service providers are re-contracting for this service, the service or works are of a specialist nature and can only be carried out by one supplier and if the services are not procured there is a risk of danger to life or property or a major impact on the Authority or the public as that would hinder receiving of critical 999 calls.