The UK’s leading mission-critical network solutions provider, telent Technology Services Ltd, will be managing and transforming Highways England’s road telecommunications network. The NRTS contract is worth almost half a billion pounds and it will enable Highways England to transform its network and deliver the next generation of telecommunications services to meet the needs of the business and support development of future technologies such as 5G.
So far, telent has stood up a 270-person organisation (with half of this number transferring under TUPE), a 50-company supply chain, a nationwide logistics infrastructure with 240 delivery locations, a 24/7/365 Networks Operations Centre, a new technology development centre, and transferred 39 in-life project schemes, all without any impact on operational service.
In addition, the contract includes a new initiative, a technology transformation programme, which was a fundamental requirement in the Highways England contract. Comprising of 11 technology projects, including the introduction of new wireless and IP CCTV services, new management systems and the next-generation upgrade of all technology, the transformation programme will ultimately enable Highways England to prepare for the future and enable safer roads, more efficient delivery and a better road user experience.
“The digital transformation of England’s motorways and major A roads is finally a reality. We’re dedicated to introducing the next generation of communications technology for drivers, with associated long-term economic benefits for UK PLC,” said Chris Metcalfe, Managing Director for NRTS at telent.
“Our foundations are with our people, without whom we wouldn’t be able to continue driving technology innovation. As InfraTech comes of age, introducing a new era of infrastructure development, we look forward to continuing our work with Highways England. This project fully epitomises the telent ethos of innovation, collaboration and transformation,” added Chris.
The seven-year deal has seen telent take over the current National Roads Telecommunications Service (NRTS) which connects over 30,000 roadside devices such as CCTV cameras and roadside phones to Highways England’s seven regional control centres. The move will support the UK government’s Roads Investment Strategy, which will create free-flowing, smart and sustainable roads.
