Rural Connectivity Accelerator Discovery and Development phase RAF048/2324

***** THIS IS AN AWARD NOTICE, NOT A CALL FOR COMPETITION ***** This procurement is being concluded following a mini competition under the Crown Commercial Services - Sparks DPS - RM6094 Brief Description of Requirement The aim of this project is to support the Government's aims of improving connectivity to rural areas through trialling the use of hybrid networks and encouraging the adoption of advanced wireless technologies to boost productivity and growth. The primary objective of the intervention is to explore how we can make it easier for rural businesses, and communities,to access the connectivity they need, in the quickest and cheapest way. HMG is seeking a provider to deliver the 'discovery and development' phase of the Rural Connectivity Accelerator programme. The objective of the discovery and development phase is to inform the successful design and delivery of up to 10 rural connectivity pilots by: - Analysing the specific barriers that rural and agricultural groups are facing when accessing and adopting connectivity solutions relevant to their needs; - Designing and developing implementation plans for pilot projects that will have the greatest impact in removing these barriers, and which are deliverable within the time and resources available.