FOI Reveals UKGC's £48k Annual Mobile Phone Contract
Data shows the regulator pays an average of £14 per month for each of its 280 mobile connections, demonstrating cost-effective procurement.
A Freedom of Information request reveals the UK Gambling Commission spends £48,000 annually on its mobile phone contract with BT. The contract covers 280 devices, at an average cost of just under £14.30 per month each.
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A Freedom of Information (FOI) disclosure has revealed that the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) spends £48,000 annually on its mobile phone contract. The data, released following a request dated 22 July 2025, provides a transparent look into the operational spending of the UK's gambling regulator.
Why This Data Matters
As a public body funded through the licence fees paid by gambling operators, the UKGC's expenditure is a matter of public interest. This data allows consumers and industry stakeholders to assess how the regulator manages its budget and whether it is securing value for money on essential services. Transparency in operational costs is a key component of public accountability.
Breakdown of the Contract Details
The FOI response confirms the following key details about the Commission's mobile services:
- Provider: The UKGC's current mobile network provider is BT.
- Annual Spend: The average annual spend on the contract is £48,000.
- Number of Connections: The contract covers 280 voice and data devices for Commission staff. The UKGC stated it did not hold information breaking this down further into voice-only or data-only devices.
- Cost Per Device: Based on the total spend and number of connections, the cost averages out to approximately £171 per device per year, or just under £14.30 per month.
- Contract Term: The agreement is a 36-month contract that commenced on 7 September 2022 and is set to expire on 6 September 2025.
Procurement and Future Plans
The Commission procured the service through the "LLP IM&T FW Lot 2.4" framework, a standard route for public sector purchasing. According to the disclosure, the contract is already "currently in review" ahead of its 2025 expiry.
Looking forward, the UKGC stated its intention is to "procure this service via the Crown Commercial Services Framework Agreement for Mobile Voice and Data Services." This indicates an ongoing commitment to using established government frameworks designed to ensure competitive pricing and fair procurement processes.
Details of the individual responsible for managing the contract were withheld. The UKGC cited section 40(2) of the FOIA, which exempts personal data from disclosure to protect the privacy of staff members. This is a standard and lawful reason for redaction in FOI responses. Any procurement-related enquiries can be directed to the Commission's central procurement email address.
Significance for the Industry
The data reveals that the UKGC has secured a cost-effective deal for its mobile communications. The low monthly cost per device suggests efficient financial management and successful use of public sector procurement frameworks. For consumers, this transparency provides assurance that the regulator is being prudent with the funds it uses to oversee the British gambling market.