August 26, 2024
Overview
Supply Ontario (SO) has established a new enterprise-wide Vendor of Record (VOR) arrangement for Mobile Devices and Services, which includes Cellular Internet of Things (IoT). The VOR arrangement has multiple qualified vendors attached, spread across two (2) streams.
This arrangement became effective on August 1, 2024 and is for a term of six (6) years, to July 31, 2030. There are two (2) additional optional extension terms of up to two (2) years each. This VOR arrangement is mandatory for all Ontario Public Service (OPS) ministries and agencies and optional for the broader public sector and registered non-OPS buying entities.
This VOR arrangement consists of two (2) service streams with qualified vendors ranked within their applicable stream:
STREAM 1 – MOBILE DEVICES, SERVICES, AND IN-BUILDING WIRELESS (IBW)
Stream 1 pertains to the acquisition of mobile devices and its related services, including In-Building Wireless (IBW) solutions.
Mobile devices and services include voice and data transmission and In-Building Wireless (IBW) Solutions, which includes signal boosters, small cells as well as Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS).
Features of Stream 1 include:
- Nationwide voice and data plans
- Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) plans
- Nationwide United States / Canada plans
- Add-on features such as directory assistance and enhanced voicemail
- Long distance calling
- Roaming packages
- Smart phones and mobile phones
- Smartwatch plans
- Buy-back program and device disposal services
The list of qualified Stream 1 vendors, by rank, are:
| RANK | VENDOR |
| 1 | Rogers |
| 2 | Bell |
| 3 | Telus |
| 4 | Tbaytel |
STREAM 2 – CELLULAR INTERNET OF THINGS (IoT)
Stream 2 pertains to Cellular Internet of Things (IoT). Cellular IoT devices are defined as hardware, including sensors, actuators, gadgets, appliances, or machines that are programmed for certain applications and can transmit data over the cellular network using a SIM card or an eSIM.
Features of Stream 2 include:
- Cellular data plans for all IoT devices
- Tiered monthly data plans up to one terabyte (1TB)
The list of qualified Stream 2 vendors, by rank, are:
| RANK | VENDOR |
| 1 | Rogers |
| 2 | Tbaytel |
| 3 | Bell |
| 4 | Telus |
The highest ranked vendor (in each stream) should be offered the opportunity to fulfill all net new and upgrade orders in line with the buyer’s requirements. However, should the highest ranked vendor not be able to meet the requirements of the buyer and they refuse the order, the next highest ranked vendor will be given the opportunity. This process will continue until such time the order is fulfilled or all available vendors are unable to meet the buyer’s requirements and have refused the order.
Benefits
Stream 1
- This will achieve significant cost savings by leveraging Ontario’s purchasing power across its various ministries, agencies, and the broader public sector.
- This VOR allows entities to enter into a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) plan, allowing further savings by not requiring additional hardware be purchased.
- This VOR will also allow public sector entities to enter into plans with no roaming charges across the United States and Canada.
Stream 2
- Tiered IoT data pricing that is equal to or better than mobile plan pricing.
How to access the VOR arrangement
For Ontario Public Service (OPS) ministries
This VOR arrangement and the user guide are available on InsideOPS.
For non-OPS entities
Access is available through the Doing business with Ontario website.
Contacts
Questions about this VOR arrangement can be directed to: