Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) Readiness Review

The UK’s telecoms networks will undergo substantial change over the coming years as technology evolves and is upgraded.Between now and 2025 the UK’s traditional telephone network – the ‘public switched telephone network’ (PSTN) - will beswitched off with customers migrated to a newer digital technology known as ‘voice over internet protocol’ (VoIP), with callscarried over a broadband connection.The change to VoIP is being led by the industry and there is already work underway through Ofcom and various industry bodies toprepare for the changes. However, there is a need for the public sector to prepare as well, either in terms of the public sector estate(lifts, alarms etc.) or the delivery of services (telecare, traffic lights etc.) as well as ensuring that other agencies that provide publicservices (third sector etc.) are also prepared.Although the PSTN switch off is being led by industry with support from Ofcom and the UK Government the Welsh Governmenthas a role to play in facilitating conversations between these players and the public and private bodies in Wales, but also tounderstand public sector preparedness in Wales. This understanding will be used to target further engagement between industry,Ofcom and the UK Government and public bodies in Wales.The Welsh Government is looking to appoint a supplier to undertake a high-level review of the preparedness of the public sector inWales, and third sector and private bodies that provide key services for them, in relation to the PSTN switch-off and the migrationto VoIP. This high-level review should:• Provide an evidence-based assessment of the preparedness of the public sector in Wales, and of bodies that provide services to thepublic sector, for the switch over from the Public Switched Telephone Network to Voice over Internet Protocol.• Set-out an appropriate definition of readiness in the context of the PSTN switch-off and the transition to VoIP.• Identify the plans of the telecommunications industry to switch-over from PSTN to VoIP.• Identify the range and types of telecommunications services that are reliant on the PSTN network.• Identify the range of public sector bodies and private and third sector bodies that provide public sector services in Wales.• Provide an assessment of the risks to services and service users from the state of readiness of public, private and third sectorbodies providing public services.• Clearly set out recommendations to address any gaps in readiness.NOTE: The authority is using eTenderwales to carry out this procurement process. To obtain further information record your interest on Sell2Wales at https://www.sell2wales.gov.wales/search/search_switch.aspx?ID=128559

1. Register your company on the eTenderWales portal (this is only required once):Navigate to the portal: http://etenderwales.bravosolution.co.uk Click the “Suppliers register here” link.Enter your correct business and user details.Note the username you chose and click “Save” when complete.You will shortly receive an e-mail with your unique password (please keep this secure). Agree to the termsand conditions and click “continue”.2. Express an interest in the itt_100714:Login to the portal with your username/password.Click the “ITTs Open to All Suppliers” link (these are the ITTs open to any registered supplier). Click onthe relevant ITT to access the content. The ITT number is 100714Click the “Express Interest” button in the “Actions” box on the left-hand side of the page.This will move the ITT into your “My ITTs” page (this is a secure area reserved for your projects only).Click on the ITT code. You can now access any attachments by clicking the “Settings and BuyerAttachments” in the “Actions” box.3. Responding to the invitation to tender:You can now choose to “Reply” or “Reject” (please give a reason if rejecting).You can now use the “Messages” function to communicate with the buyer and seek any clarification. Notethe deadline for completion, then follow the onscreen instructions to complete the ITT.There may be a mixture of online and offline actions for you to perform (there is detailed online helpavailable).If you require any further assistance use the online help. Alternatively, the BravoSolution helpdesk can becontacted (Monday to Friday, 8:00 to 18:00) on:E-mail: [email protected] Phone: +44 8003684850(WA Ref:128559)