Network upgrade set to future-proof Council’s connectivity
MLL Telecom, a leading provider of secure managed network services for the UK public sector, today announced that it has been chosen by Portsmouth City Council to provide connectivity services on the new Solent Network framework. The new framework contract—partly funded by the Local Full Fibre Network (LFFN) programme through the Department For Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS)—will radically improve the council’s network infrastructure and see existing network solutions consolidated into one in order to future-proof its digital ambitions.
The project—expected to be completed in March 2021—will see MLL Telecom light a new dark fibre network infrastructure supplied by CityFibre and operate Wide Area Network (WAN) services for both voice and data across the Council. MLL Telecom will deliver connectivity at a minimum of 1Gbps to each site, and access to Internet Services, Microsoft Azure and the Health and Social Care Network (HSCN).
The network will initially be made available to Portsmouth City Council sites and schools, with the possibility of extending access to neighbouring councils, such as Gosport Borough Council and Southampton City Council. MLL Telecom’s appointment by Portsmouth City Council comes following a competitive bidding process, in which MLL Telecom was awarded exclusivity on three out of four lots.
The Solent Network will be pivotal in increasing fibre infrastructure in the Solent region.
Further investment, from the private sector, could see businesses and residents benefit from enhanced connectivity services, with higher speeds, greater network capacity and more digital services available.
Natasha Edmunds director of corporate services at Portsmouth City Council, said: “The Solent Network will give us the flexibility and network capacity we need to support our existing and future digital services. A key benefit will be that pupils in Portsmouth schools will be able to access cutting-edge technology and be at the forefront of the latest developments in education. We look forward to working with MLL Telecom as one of the partners in this exciting project.”
Jeremy Wastie, Regional Director, MLL Telecom, commented: “We are thrilled to have been awarded this call off contract by Portsmouth City Council on the Solent Network framework Enhanced connectivity is so important in helping public sector organisations deliver the right services to citizens and local businesses. This new infrastructure will act as a platform for Portsmouth City Council and surrounding areas for years to come, and we are excited to be contributing our expertise and experience to this project and other opportunities in the region”