Telent has begun to roll out installation work for the first new fibre-based network connection as part of a major project to design, build and manage a next-generation mission critical network for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). The new network will replace old copper-based cables with fibre-based technology across 165 remote radio sites around the UK’s coastline.
The radio sites receive distress calls from UK waters and the replacement technology will bring improvements such as security and bandwidth. The important milestone of the installation work starting was marked by HM Coastguard Head of Operations Richard Hackwell and Telent Network Services Managing Director Peter Moir visiting the location at the Weymouth remote radio site.
Damien Oliver, Commercial and Programmes Director for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, said: “We are investing £175 million into this new national radio network, which is central in preventing the loss of life on the coast and at sea.
“At a time when getting outdoors is pivotal to people’s mental health and wellbeing, it is essential that we can provide reassurance that we are here to respond to any emergency they may find themselves in, and this new network will enhance our ability to do that.”
Telent announced in July 2020 the award of the ten-year agreement with the MCA to design, build and operate the next-generation mission critical network. Once deployed, the fibre-based network will enable MCA to undertake its own digital transformation, deliver new digital services and communication capabilities, and bring a new edge to the search and rescue work of HM Coastguard.
“We are absolutely delighted to have been selected by the MCA and to play such a crucial role for HM Coastguard, by providing full fibre connectivity to each of their remote radio sites around the UK coast”
- Peter Moir, Managing Director of Network Services at Telent.
“We fully recognise the need for change and by being at the forefront of technology deployment we will ensure that the new network delivers performance and reliability, so we can support the important lifesaving work of HM Coastguard. We look forward to continuing our long standing and successful relationship, whilst continually planning for the future during these unprecedented times.”