If your business provides mobile voice, data, or related services to the public sector, this is a framework worth knowing about.
Mobile Voice and Data Services 2 is a GCA framework that gives public sector organisations a compliant route to procure mobile services. It’s the replacement for the existing Mobile Voice and Data Services framework, which is due to expire in December 2026, and it brings some useful changes with it.
Here’s a straightforward guide to what it covers and how it works.
What does the framework cover?
The framework is designed for public sector organisations that need to procure mobile services – everything from standard airtime to large-scale mobile estates.
It covers:
- UK and international mobile airtime
- Voice, SMS and data services
- Roaming and international packages
- Mobile devices and accessories
- Mobile device management (MDM)
- Telecoms auditing and advisory services
- Bespoke solutions for larger or more complex estates
How is it structured?
The framework has three lots:
Lot 1 – Mobile Catalogue and Optional Services The catalogue route, designed for straightforward purchases. Optional services like devices, accessories, MDM, and roaming packages can be procured here as standalone items — making it simpler to buy specific components without running a full mobile solutions procurement.
Lot 2 – Mobile Solutions The route for more complex requirements — large-scale deployments, bespoke commercial models, or tailored service configurations. Procurements under this lot go through a competitive process.
Lot 3 – Telecommunications Audit and Advisory Services Covers telecoms auditing, broader advisory support, and ongoing optimisation of telecoms estates. This lot has been expanded from the previous framework, reflecting growing demand for continuous oversight rather than one-off reviews.
How do buyers procure through it?
The framework operates under the Procurement Act 2023, which introduced updated terminology for how call-offs work:
Award Without Competition — used for catalogue purchases under Lot 1 Award With Competition — used for competitive processes under Lot 2
In practice, the buying models are familiar. Buyers can either purchase directly from catalogue services or run a competitive process for more tailored solutions.
How is it different from its predecessor?
The previous framework had four lots, and the key change is the removal of a standalone Professional Services lot. That kind of work is now expected to sit within the remaining lots where relevant.
Lot 1 has also been expanded to make optional services easier to procure independently, and Lot 3 has a broader scope than before, moving beyond one-off audits into ongoing advisory support.
Overall, it’s a streamlined evolution of a well-established framework rather than a complete overhaul.
Want to get on the next opportunity?
Frameworks like this typically run for two to four years, with the potential for extensions. If you missed the application window this time, it’s worth staying across GCA framework timelines so you’re ready when the next opportunity comes around.
We help tech suppliers navigate the public sector market, including keeping track of upcoming frameworks and supporting applications when they open. If you’d like to chat, book a free chat with the team using the calendar below.
