Nearly 1,200 public sector sites across Greater Manchester now have access to faster and more reliable digital services thanks to a seamless migration to the Greater Manchester (GM) One Network by Telent.
Telent worked with technology partner Cisco, on the design, build and management of the core network, and is supplying the technology solutions to connect the individual sites to the GM One Network.
"Today we all live, work and socialise in a hyper-connected, always-on world that relies on reliable and unfailing broadband connectivity. Our technology solutions and expertise has played a huge role in this large-scale and complex project, helping accelerate public sector organisations’ transition to the new GM One Network and empowering them to thrive in today's digital landscape."
The sites connected include many schools, community centres, fire stations and traffic control signals across Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), Bury, Rochdale, Stockport and Oldham local authorities.
“The advanced digital services provided by the GM One Network are helping to unlock future technology opportunities to help create an efficient and effective integrated transport network, The Bee Network, for Greater Manchester. Telent’s connectivity solution, and joint working, has enabled a seamless and quick migration to these new services.”
The GM One Network provides a single active core network across the region with separate virtual networks for each organisation, eliminating the need for individual networks and infrastructure services. The core network has a current backbone speed of 100Gb with a design that allows expansion and adoption of 400Gb and above speeds in the future on the current platform.
The project has also facilitated GMCA receiving over £3 million from the UK Government to increase the use of 5G services in the city-region through a 5G Smart Decarbonisation project focussed on improving social housing heating initiatives and road traffic flow improvements.
“I am thrilled to see our vital public organisations already leveraging and reaping the rewards of the world-class digital infrastructure that the GM One Network has to offer thanks to the accelerated roll out of its services by Telent. Our private sector partners have been invaluable in our ambition to fix the digital divide and provide Greater Manchester’s residents with the tools they need for reliable Internet connectivity.”
As part of the GM One Network programme, Cisco and Telent made several social value commitments, supporting Greater Manchester’s Digital Blueprint.
Telent and Cisco are providing opportunities for 28 new apprentices, with 15 apprenticeships already in place across the region. The apprenticeships cover a range of technical roles, including engineering, marketing and project specialists.
Additionally nearly £400,000 has been spent, so far, on Greater Manchester’s Cisco Networking Academies to support people with essential digital skills and expertise. Four community hubs will receive free connectivity, alongside devices and training. More than 400 hours have been spent at local schools in Greater Manchester to encourage and support young people exploring careers in technology.