Network Services 4
Summary
Gives public sector organisations access to a wide range of networks and telecommunications services, products and solutions.
Description
RM6377 Network Services 4 will replace RM6116 Network Services 3. The current framework allows customers to buy:
- network solutions
- communication services
- connectivity to cloud-based data and applications
- audio and video conferencing
- radio and satellite networking
- emerging technologies such as internet of things (IoT) and connected places
The final scope and lot structure of RM6377 Network Services 4 will be different from RM6116 Network Services 3. These changes will be based on feedback from industry and stakeholder engagement.
Benefits
- a dedicated way to buy networks and telecoms services
- templates and guidance to support the buying journey
- flexibility to buy complete solutions or individual components
- a simpler lot structure to help customers choose the right service
- support for organisations moving from the Airwave Network to the Emergency Services Network (“ESN”)
Product types
The current draft lot structure includes:
- internet connectivity services (WAN)
- local connectivity services (LAN)
- voice and unified communications
- contact centre services
- Iot and connected places (incl. Security & CCTV)
- critical domain services
- paging and alerting services
- audio visual services
- critical communications devices
- critical communications services
- critical communications software
The final scope and lot structure for RM6377 Network Services 4 may change, depending on feedback from industry and stakeholder engagement.
Customer and supplier engagement
June 2026 update
This update is about pre-market engagement held in February, March and May 2026.
We are running a virtual market engagement webinar:
- hosted by TechUK, on 7 July from 3pm to 4pm
This session will provide:
- an overview of important facts for Network Services 4
- inform the market of GCA goals
- help potential bidders prepare
Sign up for the session to attend and learn more.
In July and August we plan to hold weekly supplier surgery drop-in sessions. These sessions will focus on a particular topic, aiming to demystify how to bid, and also allow an opportunity to ask the team questions prior to release of the invitation to tender (ITT).
More information about the supplier surgery sessions will be published soon. If you are interested in joining these sessions, contact the team info@gca.gov.uk with the subject line “Network Services 4 Supplier Surgery”.
After reviewing feedback from suppliers and buyers, we have updated the specification and lot structure. One major change is the introduction of 3 new lots focused on critical communications. These were added after discussions with the Home Office Emergency Services Mobile Communications Programme (ESMCP). The goal is to to support the anticipated transition and introduction of the Emergency Services Network.
We welcome any feedback from suppliers and contracting authorities on the revised draft specification for RM6377 Network Services 4. Your feedback will help:
- shape the framework
- meet stakeholder needs
- create an effective, efficient, and collaborative agreement
How to take part
To provide feedback:
- Download and review the document called ‘RM6377 Network Services 4 Specification Engagement (May 2026)’ from the documents section.
- Email comments or suggestions to networkservices@gca.gov.uk with ‘NETWORK SERVICES 4’ in the subject line.
You can also use the networkservices@gca.gov.uk email to request a follow up discussion. More engagement activities are planned before the ITT launch.
Questions to consider:
- Does the scope of each lot cover your current and future services?
- Are there any public sector requirements that cover multiple lots?
- Do the new critical communication service areas (lots 9a, 9b and 9c), provide enough support for the ESN transition?
Documents
RM6377 Network Services 4 Specification Engagement (May 2026)
Important links
| Pipeline notice | Read pipeline notice |
| Preliminary market engagement notice (PME) | Read PME notice |
| Planned procurement notice | Not available yet |
| Contract notice in Find a Tender (FTS) | Not available yet |
| Tender documents | Not available yet |
Timeline
| Activity | Estimated dates |
| Pre-market engagement | August 2025 to April 2026 |
| Drafting of procurement documentation | May 2026 to August 2026 |
| Publication of find a tender (FTS) notice | August 2026 |
| Framework award | February 2027 |