Virgin Media O2 Business and Crown Commercial Service join forces to accelerate digital transformation in UK public sector

• Virgin Media O2 Business has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Crown Commercial Service (CCS) to boost digitalisation efforts across government bodies and public organisations. 
• The new agreement will generate competitive discounts and accelerate digital collaboration, promising enhanced value for taxpayers and streamlined procurement processes. 
• With access to a suite of connectivity solutions, public sector entities will be able to deliver enhanced connectivity to overcome legacy tech barriers, simplify processes, automate systems, and drive greater digital fluency nationwide.

​​London, 16 May 2024: Virgin Media O2 Business and Crown Commercial Service (CCS) have signed a new ​3-year ​Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to provide enhanced technology and telecoms solutions to support ongoing digitisation efforts within the UK Government and broader public sector.   

​​​Crown Commercial Service supports the public sector to achieve maximum commercial value when​​ procuring common goods and services.​​ In 2022/23, CCS helped the public sector to achieve commercial benefits equal to £3.8 billion – supporting world-class public services that offer best value for taxpayers. Through this new agreement, public sector entities will gain access to a comprehensive portfolio of Virgin Media O2 Business telecoms products and services, designed to enhance collaboration, expedite digitalisation, and provide maximum value for money. 

Virgin Media O2 Business will provide solutions for fixed connectivity, mobile shared data bundles, IP telephony, professional services, equipment and devices. By engaging with the telco, and leveraging the procurement frameworks from CCS, customers can access a suite of telecoms services, including software-defined network functions crucial for digital transformation. ​This will allow​ every eligible public sector organisation, from central government to local authorities and arm’s length bodies, to overcome barriers to connecting communities through a swifter and easier process. 

In addition to simplified procurement processes, the new agreement will establish a new discounting model to provide public sector organisations with competitive rates. This innovative discount model will reward increased engagement by aligning with Government playbooks on procurement. This means it will be simpler and more cost-effective for public sector organisations to purchase, process, and manage telecoms services.   

Connectivity is critical to communities across the UK and to helping individuals participate in an increasingly digital-led society. As the public sector looks for solutions to enhance public services and tackle digital literacy, this ​new agreement ​will provide easy access to new and innovative telecoms solutions, available for both trial and permanent adoption. Find out more about how organisations can tap into the benefits of connectivity here: https://www.virginmediao2business.co.uk/public-sector/. 

Martin McFadyen, Director of Public Sector at Virgin Media O2 Business said: “Our new agreement with Crown Commercial Service will help accelerate digital transformation and offer innovative discounting for UK government bodies and public organisations. Whether overcoming barriers or exploring the advantages of 5G technology, there is a key role for Virgin Media O2 Business in supporting the public sector to get the most from telecoms technology and connecting communities across the nation. This partnership will also boost efforts to tackle digital literacy, helping people tap into the benefits of connectivity in their daily lives.” 

Dr. Philip Orumwense, Commercial Director and Chief Procurement Officer for Technology at Crown Commercial Services said: “Mobile voice and data is an integral part of enabling service delivery for the public sector. The ability to talk and communicate to colleagues and citizens and access and share data quickly and securely has never been more important. 

This new MoU uses the buying power that CCS has to deliver cost effective and soundly procured connectivity solutions from Virgin Media O2 Business. There will also be additional benefits for customers through increased social value and L&D opportunities.”