This year sees a major step forward for Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service’s network capacity thanks to an exciting technology refresh, under its renewed £0.5 million-plus contract for managed network services with MLL Telecom.
The refresh will include the provision of services based on a software defined wide area network (SD-WAN) with the aim of boosting bandwidth, security and resilience.
It will support the HQ at Hindlip Hall outside Worcester as well as the Service’s 25 fire stations.
The contract will run for at least three years, with a value of £550,000 with an option to extend for two more adding another £300,000.
The solution HWFRS have chosen provides flexible connectivity to support known – and unknown – future changes in digital technologies/requirements.
Pete Chatwin, HWFRS Head of IT, said: ‘The technology refresh of our existing fibre network will ensure we continue to have access to fast, reliable and secure WAN and internet communications. Our network, and the digital services it provides, is of paramount importance to our efficient operation and the safety of the public.
‘We’re totally confident in the technology we have chosen to deploy while leaving the responsibility for managing the new SD-WAN in MLL’s capable hands.’
Ross Billington, Strategic Client Director at MLL Telecom, added: ‘At MLL, we could tell the HWFRS Technology team had a very clear vision of what they wanted to achieve which we’re confident we can provide.
‘We’re excited to work with HWFRS supporting them in rolling out the latest connectivity technology, providing critical emergency services with increased management visibility and control, as well as resiliency, availability and bandwidth.’
MLL has been the network services provider to HWFRS since 2017. It also provides WAN and internet services to other public sector organisations in the region, including Herefordshire and Worcestershire County Councils and the two city councils.
