Finance considering streamlining telecom panels

The Department of Finance has proposed to abolish two of the panels it operates to cover the purchase of telecom equipment after finding that they provide no benefit and are expensive to maintain.

Three of the five telecom-based panels that the department maintains — covering internet-based network connection services (IBNCS), telecommunications management (TMAN) and invoice reconciliation (IR) services — are due to expire this year.

Following a review into their efficiency, the department has proposed to abolish the TMAN and IR panels after finding that they do not return savings to the government, and the high cost to maintain the panels outweighs the financial benefits.

Finance will instead establish a new telecommunications service panel (TSP) to cover managed WAN, transport data links and internet connection services.

The ministry has launched a consultation into the proposal to close the two existing panels and to assist in the development of the proposed approach to market of the new panel.

“The proposed TSP model is designed to allow for the inclusion of new services and categories as technology and requirements change,” a discussion paper released for the consultation states.

“It will be mandatory for [non-corporate commonwealth entities] to procure services available under the proposed TSP arrangement, with the exception of the optional satellite services. Corporate Commonwealth Entitles and other Commonwealth agencies and State agencies can choose to use the panel.”

Image courtesy JJ Harrison under CC