WCC Multi network sim cards

Warwickshire County Council currently uses a mixture of single network SIM cards to support various transport, highways, and survey related equipment, including traffic counters, monitoring stations, IoT devices, and mobile field assets. These SIMs have historically been procured on an ad hoc basis from different providers, resulting in varied contract terms, inconsistent coverage, and limited flexibility when equipment is deployed across rural and urban locations.

Over time, the increased use of mobile and remotely deployed technologies has highlighted several limitations with the current single network approach. Devices operating in areas with weak or unreliable coverage from a specific network can experience downtime, data loss, or delayed reporting. This affects operational efficiency, asset reliability, and the accuracy of data used to inform highways planning and other service functions. In addition, managing multiple contracts and SIM types creates administrative complexity and reduces the ability to standardise procurement across teams.

As the Council increases its adoption of connected devices, sensors, and distributed monitoring equipment, the need for resilient, high availability mobile connectivity has grown. Multi network (or "steered/non steered roaming") SIM technology is now widely available and offers improved coverage by automatically connecting to the strongest available network. This increases reliability and reduces service interruptions, particularly in remote areas of Warwickshire where coverage varies significantly between providers.

The move toward a more unified and flexible mobile connectivity solution aims to support improved operational performance, reduced device downtime, more consistent reporting, and simpler contract management.

The Council is undertaking Preliminary Market Engagement to better understand the current market capability for providing Multi Network SIM solutions. Specifically:

• The Council has not procured a consolidated Multi Network SIM solution before, and wishes to engage with a variety of suppliers to ensure all available options, risks, and opportunities are considered before entering a formal procurement process.
• We are seeking to explore innovative connectivity models that will best support our transport, highways, IoT, and survey related operations, ensuring resilience, strong coverage, and value for money.
• This process provides an opportunity for organisations to demonstrate their capabilities, including those who may be able to deliver only specific elements (e.g., management platforms, SIM provisioning, or coverage optimisation). Supplier insight will help shape a service model that improves the reliability and performance of mobile data connectivity across a diverse range of Council assets.

The information gathered during this market testing exercise will inform our procurement approach and ensure the chosen solution meets the Council's operational requirements, strategic objectives, and budgetary considerations.

The Council is seeking to procure a Multi Network SIM Card solution that provides resilient, high availability mobile data connectivity for a wide range of operational assets, including traffic survey equipment, transport monitoring devices, IoT sensors, and other field deployed technologies. The service aims to significantly improve coverage, reduce device downtime, and support accurate, real time data transmission irrespective of geographic location.

The proposed solution should allow devices to automatically connect to the strongest available mobile network at any given time, ensuring continuity of service when equipment is deployed across areas with variable signal strength. The service may include options for steered or non steered roaming, depending on market capability and value for money.