Key findings
- Direct opportunities for new suppliers are increasing: the sector was at its most diversified in 2018, and 80% of contracts were suitable for SMEs.
- As the top three suppliers, BT, Gigaclear and the SME Airband Community Internet offer the most potential for subcontracting opportunities.
Where the public sector comes in
Public money has helped extend superfast broadband to areas the commercial market would not reach on its own, through the Building Digital UK programme and local full-fibre and 5G testbed schemes. Councils also control much of what network builders need: street works permits, planning consent, and access to public buildings, street furniture and ducts for equipment.
Opportunities for suppliers
Beyond the main build contracts, there is work in surveying, civil engineering, wayleave management, public Wi-Fi, smart city sensors and connectivity for schools, libraries and health sites. Many of these packages are suitable for SMEs, either directly or as subcontractors to the larger network operators.
Connectivity was one of the digital topics on the PSS 2019 agenda. Find out more on our Digital & Technology page, or return to Procurement Insights.