Valued at up to £70 million, the contract will see NICS telecommunications networks completely overhauled and modernised within 24 months. It will also ensure that the service is fully maintained and supported over the next 6-10 years.
‘Network NI’ will be serviced from Eircom’s new state of the art operations centre in Belfast, creating more than 20 new local jobs.
The project will offer the capability of delivering voice, video and data traffic simultaneously through a secure, scalable and reliable network. This will offer crucial support for the implementation of other civil service major reform projects which together are aimed at making a step change in working practices.
Speaking at today’s announcement, Bruce Robinson, Permanent Secretary for the Department of Finance and Personnel said:
“'Network NI' is a key underpinning project necessary for delivering on the NICS Reform Agenda. The service is urgently required, so I am delighted that we can now begin the rollout and look forward to completion within the two year window.
“By bringing together the network service requirements for all 11 NICS Departments, we have secured better value for money and a more reliable broadband based solution.
“This innovative project will play a vital role in delivering the best front line public services that government can provide.”
Notes to Editors:
1. In September 2006, three suppliers - BT, Eircom and NTL - were invited to negotiate for the supply of services for Network NI. Using the negotiated tender process the NICS worked at a detailed level with each bidder to ensure requirements were fully understood and solutions fully compliant.
2. Some of the benefits Network NI plans to realise include:
support for the implementation of key initiatives in the public sector;
lower operational costs;
achievement of value for money;
the flexibility to put in place additional related services, if required;;
scalability;
the assurance of high levels of network uptime and availability through real-time end-to-end proactive management; and
increased productivity through the use of applications based on the convergence of voice, video and data networks.
3. Under the ‘Network NI’ contract, Eircom will deliver a resilient, high-performance, multimedia network with a range of advanced management and network-based services to build a world-class infrastructure that will transform the way the NICS works. Eircom has also established partnerships with Fujitsu and Cable & Wireless to deliver the services.
4. Media enquiries only to DFP Press Office on 028 9052 7644 or 028 9052 27375. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
