Following a recent market investigation, Janet has announced that seven suppliers have been short-listed to proceed to the next stage of procurement – this is to provide the fibre infrastructure for the next generation of the Janet network.
The suppliers selected from the market investigation are:
- British Telecommunications
- C&W Worldwide
- Geo Networks
- Level 3 Communications
- SSE Telecoms
- Verizon
- Virgin Media Business
The suppliers were drawn from a number of organisations who applied through a first stage OJEU procurement. Over the next few months, detailed discussions will take place so that shortlisted suppliers are fully aware of the requirements and standards of service expected by Janet, on behalf of the UK research and education community. These discussions will lead to the production of a final call for tender against which the suppliers will respond.
The market investigation was conducted as part of a programme to upgrade the Janet network, ensuring it continues to provide the capacity and capabilities required by schools, colleges, universities and research organisations across the UK. This followed an extensive consultation and requirements gathering exercise across all areas of the research and education community.
A further procurement for the optical equipment required to build network services over the fibre infrastructure has also been initiated. Selection of a shortlist of suppliers to take through to the dialogue phase will take place in January 2012.
To follow the progress of this project, and to find out more about the procurement, please visit the Janet6 webpages: www.ja.net/janet6
