Network Rail on track with IP

Network Rail has awarded BT a £30m, three-year contract to upgrade its communications infrastructure.

The company - which operates the Britain's rail infrastructure - will gain an IP voice and data network to replace its legacy fixed line and internet services.

Network Rail has several hundred sites that will be covered by the new network, including control centres, depots, level crossings, offices and signal boxes.

The company manages more than 20,000 miles of track, which carries around three million passengers per day.

It's hoped the new infrastructure will make company communications more reliable and contribute to ongoing cost-cutting efforts.

The IP network will be integrated into Network Rail's FTN project which aims to replace 16,000km of copper cabling with 11,000km of fibre optic cabling to support a digital driver-to-signaller radio system.

Catherine Doran, director of information management at Network Rail, said BT's strong customer service and competitive pricing helped secure the deal.

BT will also supply the voice and data wide area network until the IP part goes live.