the provision of Digital Infrastructure Expertise and Development of a Digital Infrastructure Action Plan

Tender description

This work is to systematically identify the most effective way to achieve these goals, based on a robust business case assessment, and culminating in an executable action plan that details what needs to be done, when, and how. A strategic outline case (SOC) will enable the Combined Authority to present a clear evidence-based case for investment that shows how various options have been assessed and distilled into a preferred scheme that will transform digital connectivity across the region. This is a Contract for services. The following is required: • Review and map existing digital infrastructure assets and capability across the West of England. This should detail current strengths, gaps and opportunities directly linked to regional demand, digital exclusion and anticipated future needs. • In tandem with the mapping work, detail and quantify specific potential use cases aligned with Mayoral Priorities. • Identify critical gaps in the existing evidence base and obtain the evidence required to fill these gaps, or help the Combined Authority to commission additional work if required. • Determine how gigabit-capable coverage could be rolled-out across the West of England, along with deployment timescales, to understand whether the market can meet target dates and anticipated demand. This should detail what enabling actions and support the public sector could provide to accelerate an appropriate mix of full fibre, mobile and wireless network roll-out. • Cross reference relevant funding opportunities and ascertain likely impact/benefit to region. This should cross-reference current/planned major government initiatives, e.g. Project Gigabit, Shared Rural Network, 5G, etc. • Identify potential investment and partners for driving change and involvement by the Combined Authority - this should consider current Unitary Authority projects and partnerships - so alignment across the region can be created across investors, local utility companies, network operators, content providers, etc. As part of this, undertake a preliminary options appraisal for a West of England Internet Exchange and Data Centre.