Federal Govt rethinks mobile handset panel

The Federal Government has frozen mandatory panel arrangements for the purchase of mobile phone handsets and accessories after they failed to net big discounts for agencies.

mobile device

A review conducted in May this year found that while the Telecommunications Commodities, Carriage and Associated Services Panel worked well for procuring mobile voice and data services, it "did not offer satisfactory value for money" for mobile devices and accessories.

"The review also found that agency purchasing needs did not result in sufficient aggregation of volume to attract significant price discounts," the Australian Government Information Management Office wrote in a blog post.

In response, the Government has permanently removed mobile device accessories from the panel, and put in place a "moratorium" on mobile handsets for up to 12 months.

"AGIMO will shortly commence a more extensive review of the panel to consider options for improving the supply arrangements for mobile devices to the Australian Government," it said.

"AGIMO will consult with industry and agencies to find a suitable solution."