Four local authorities are among 14 public sector organisations which have signed up for mobile voice and data services after a competition run by the Crown Commercial Service (CCS).

Contracts were signed last month on the contracts, which were tendered under lot six of the PSN Services framework.

The CCS estimates that the bodies taking part will save at 77 per cent over existing spending as a result of the competition.

Sarah Hurrell, commercial director, technology at the CCS, said: “The CCS strengthens the Government’s business-like approach to how it buys goods and services.

“The innovative nature of this particular deal will see customers saving more than £2 million over three-years in a great example of how central buying helps to deliver excellent results for taxpayers and suppliers.”

The PSN Services framework allows public sector bodies to purchase services that are compliant with PSN standards. The ten lots under the framework cover a wide range of services.

The recent deal allows purchasers a flexible contract which lets them move their mobile estate gradually to avoid early termination charges.

It also includes a co-termination policy so that all migrated connections have the same end date, which the CCS says will make re-procurement easier in the future.

Suppliers were invited to participate in a competition to determine the single service provider for 14 customers for voice and data requirements.

A ‘reverse’ auction took place in November 2013 and the award was made in December with contracts being concluded in May.

The CCS said it was unwilling to provide a list of the councils which participated in the auction.