The new 100Gbps network will combine the current Jisc East and West Midlands networks and will enable education and research facilities across the region to access these new speeds.
“Our customers need fast, reliable and resilient networks that support their high bandwidth demands,” said Neil Shewry, Jisc’s head of delivery. “We’re excited to be partnering with SSE Enterprise Telecoms, a continuation of our long-standing relationship, to launch the Jisc Janet Midlands network, addressing these requirements. SSE Enterprise Telecoms’ ability to design a resilient network, which aligned with our price point was a key consideration when making the decision to award the contract.”
SSE Enterprise Telecoms won the contract following a competitive tender process. Jisc chose the SSE because it met the criteria of being able to design a fast and reliable network that can support the required bandwidth for the best value.
A big part of this project is SSE Telecoms’ ability to incorporate other service providers’ networks. In addition to use of SSE’s core network, Jsic will also receive use fibre from three other telcos and carrying out strategic construction to achieve an optimum bespoke design, based on the most advantageous routes and not on fibre ownership.
“We are delighted to have been awarded the Jisc Janet Midlands contract,” added Colin Sempill, chief executive at SSE Enterprise Telecoms. “This network will help Midlands-based education and research centres connect and collaborate across the region and the wider UK, as well as access the Internet and cloud applications. It will enable them to connect to global research centres, further driving innovation and supporting the UK’s ambition of being a leader in research and further education.”
The news comes as the UK works to achieve full fibre connectivity by the end of the decade, as such SSE is doing its part by partnering with businesses to start projects that will drive this project forward.
