BT works with Ministry of Defence to improve end to end communications

BT today announced that it has been awarded a contract by Ministry of Defence (MOD) worth more than £99 million to support communications across 197 military bases. BT will manage voice and data networks in more than a quarter of a million MOD assets, including buildings, comms rooms and underground cable ducts.

The five year deal forms part of the Defence Fixed Telecommunications Service (DFTS) Agreement that BT currently delivers on behalf of MOD. The new service, which is being delivered with NG Bailey, will help MOD ensure the continuity and reliability of its communications infrastructure, including a systems management service.

The new capability will bring standardisation and better predictability of service, allowing MOD to make better decisions about its communications infrastructure, from individual moves to major upgrades and changes. It will also offer improved management information, allowing activities to be planned in the wider context with less risk of failure.

Simon Patten, Director BT Defence and Security said, “We are delighted to be able to add this fully managed capability to the DFTS services we currently deliver for MOD. The work will help prepare the way for MOD’s planned long-term programme of communications development, and we eagerly anticipate its delivery of real benefit for our customer.”

The service is planned to be effective from 1st October 2009 and will focus on the maintenance of existing infrastructure, and ensuring new projects are standardised.

Bailey Teswaine, NG Bailey’s network infrastructure division, will support BT to deliver the services. Tony Henderson, Bailey Teswaine managing director, said: “The continuity and reliability of communications is critical for UK Armed Forces and NG Bailey is looking forward to working with BT to deliver the programme of activity.”

Darrell Midgley, Head of the MOD’s Defence Equipment and Support’s Networks Team, said: “The commencement of this service for Defence represents a logical and significant step forward in the continuing modernisation and rationalisation of the fixed communication network infrastructure which began in 1997. My team looks forward to working with BT on this project which is a vital element in the UK’s operational capability worldwide.”