Optus and Fujitsu left off new whole-of-government telecommunications procurement scheme

Optus and Fujitsu have both been left off the federal government's new whole-of-government telecommunications panel.

The panel allows government departments to procure network carriage, managed networks, internet connections and optional satellite services from a list of telco providers.

The new scheme replaces three telecommunications panels, including two underperforming panels that were axed in May.

The government decided to keep the Internet Based Network Connection Services (IBNCS) panel, which included network carriage, virtual connection management, IP carriage and internet connections.

The IBNCS included AAPT, Fujitsu, Macquarie Telecom, Nextgen Networks, Optus, Pacnet, Soul Pattinson, Telstra, TransAct and Verizon. Each service provider was required to rebid for a spot on the new panel.

Prior to the restructure, the IBNCS panel had accounted for 198 contracts and was valued at $470 million.

The new six-member panel includes Macquarie Telecom, Nextgen Networks, Telstra, TPG, Verizon and former CRN Fast50 winner Sliced Tech.

AAPT and TransAct were acquired by TPG, which replaces subsidiary Soul Pattinson. Pacnet was acquired by Telstra last year, leaving Optus and Fujitsu as the two providers not relisted.

Finance Minister Mathias Cormann said the government would continue negotiations with other providers to join the panel.