telent takes over Highways England contract after transition success

telent Technology Services Ltd, the UK’s leading mission-critical network solutions provider, has announced the successful transition of its contract to manage and transform Highways England’s road telecommunications network.

The NRTS contract, worth almost half a billion pounds, 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.

During the 26-week transition period since the contract commenced on 16 March 2018, 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.

The contract also 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.”

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.

The network covers over 6,000 kilometres of cabling, 145 transmission stations, more than 10,000 roadside cabinets and 17,000 pieces of telecommunications equipment

“Our strength lies in our experience and processes with a proven track record of taking over networks and transforming them so they are fit for the future, it is with great pleasure and pride that I can announce that we have successfully commenced full delivery of the NRTS services,” said Mark Plato, CEO at telent. “Ultimately, we will provide the world-class technology and services needed to develop and operate the intelligent highways of the future, thereby enabling safer roads, more efficient delivery and an improved experience for drivers.”