Superfast and gigabit broadband infrastructure - Open Market Review: request for information

4. Purpose of this Open Market Review Request For Information

We are launching this OMR RFI to help us identify the intervention areas which currently are not commercially viable within the aforementioned geographical scope and/or where no infrastructure exists or is planned to be built within the next three years (and beyond, if available). Where suppliers have credible plans that extend beyond the three year horizon then these should be included in their submission. All planned build should be supported with detailed evidence as set out in this RFI.

This OMR process will be followed by formal Public Review(s) (previously referred to as a State Aid Public Consultation). The Scottish Government will apply a best practice approach that includes both an OMR and a Public Review stage. We consider that early market research at this stage is an important part of our market engagement to shape any future public investment plans. The results of the OMR will assist us with understanding the broadband infrastructure (whether NGA, ultrafast or gigabit-capable) already in place and where there are plans for investment in such infrastructure in the forthcoming three years (and beyond, if available).

We will request and then evaluate the suppliers' responses. During the evaluation exercise, we may engage with suppliers further to discuss and confirm their coverage claims. Following this, we will be able to determine the eligibility of the premises for public subsidy.

Following the conclusion of the OMR process, we will then conduct Public Review(s) to validate the results of the OMR, including seeking validation of the eligibility of the premises for subsidy. The Public Review(s) will take place over a period of at least one month and once concluded will confirm the eligibility of the premises ahead of any procurement(s).

This OMR replaces the current NGA rolling OMR and future updates will be requested in line with Ofcom's Connected Nations reports (currently three times per year) in order to maintain a rolling OMR for Scotland covering NGA, ultrafast and gigabit-capable broadband coverage.