Joint venture between Daisy Group and Updata Infrastructure to manage a wide area network connecting more than 1,350 sites and 370,000 users
Daisy Updata Communications (DUCL) has won a six-year contract worth almost £25 million to manage a shared public services network (PSN) across Kent.
The firm, a joint venture between unified comms provider Daisy Group and public sector comms integrator Updata Infrastructure, will manage a wide area network (WAN) connecting more than 1,350 sites across the county.
The Kent Public Service Network (KPSN) provides broadband connectivity to around 370,000 users in fire stations, schools, local government offices, universities, colleges, libraries, health and other public sector locations.
DUCL, which beat two other unnamed companies to the contract, will take over management of the network from technology firm Unisys in February when its six year deal with Kent expires.
It is aiming for further improvements in service efficiency, including faster internet and connectivity speeds and a reduction in costs for KPSN partner organisations.
The KPSN was established in 2008 and is a partnership of Kent’s 21 local authorities and public sector organisations, aimed at improving access to faster and lower cost network connectivity services within the region.
Daisy Group CEO Matthew Riley (pictured) said: “With the rise of cloud-based technologies in the workplace, reliable, superfast connectivity such as this is highly sought after. Organisations across the county feel the benefits of the increased capabilities available from this new networking infrastructure.
“Kent County Council and the KPSN partners are setting a great example for other regions. This new approach to ICT procurement will play a massive part in the Government’s goal of reducing costs while enhancing efficiency.”