Updata wins £20m network framework deal at Norfolk council

Updata Infrastructure, part of Capita IT Enterprise Services, has been awarded a four year £20 million framework agreement by Norfolk County Council to enhance network services across the region, including council buildings, schools and libraries.

The first contract under the framework, worth £10 million, will see Updata install and manage a wide area network (WAN), local area networks (LANs), unified communications and mobile communications across the council.

As a result, the council will benefit from a more robust and cost effective ICT infrastructure, improving operational and service performance, said Norfolk.

An upgraded multi-channel contact centre, built on a new “utility as a service” platform, will support citizen engagement. And council staff using a mobile phone will benefit from Updata’s new partnership with the Anywhere SIM network, enabling employees to switch between three major networks and use the strongest possible signal.

The framework will also deliver an improved infrastructure to support education in the county, with schools that sign contracts benefiting from a fast, reliable broadband connection. In addition, an enhanced internet filtering service can provide schools a more granular level of control.

Other Norfolk councils and health bodies are expected to use the framework, which is available to authorities in neighbouring counties.

Updata will offer at least ten apprenticeships during the course of the contract, plus two undergraduate work placements each year.

Al Collier, Norfolk County Council head of procurement, said: “This contract will reduce costs and enhance IT services for public sector staff and for schools, allowing them to work flexibly and deliver the best possible service to people in Norfolk.

“Other public sector organisations may also take advantage of the framework, further benefiting people across the region, and I’m delighted that Updata will be offering apprenticeships to local people.”

Richard Masterson, Updata sales and marketing director, said: “We are committed to providing the best network services and helping the council adopt new technologies, allowing staff to offer a high standard of service for the benefit of Norfolk’s residents and businesses.”

Earlier this month, Updata was awarded a five year £2.1 million contract for the provision of a managed wide area network (WAN) service at Northumbria Police.

@AntonySavvas