Telent partners with Cisco to enhance digital infrastructure in Greater Manchester

Greater Manchester is set to experience a significant upgrade in its digital services infrastructure.

Telent, a digital infrastructure specialist, in collaboration with Cisco, has been tasked with implementing a comprehensive communications network across the region.

This development promises to revolutionise access to digital services for public sector organisations in Greater Manchester.

Major network upgrade to benefit public services and community

Telent’s role involves the design, construction, and management of the Greater Manchester (GM) One Network.

This initiative is a key project for the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and includes partnerships with Transport for Greater Manchester (TFGM) and local authorities in Bury, Rochdale, Stockport, and Oldham.

The GM One Network aims to establish faster and more reliable data connections to over 1,300 public sites throughout the city-region.

These sites include schools, community centres, fire stations, and traffic control signals.

This significant infrastructure upgrade is poised to enhance the efficiency of public services and community engagement.

Statements from Telent and GMCA leadership

Jo Gretton, CEO at Telent, emphasised the importance of robust connectivity for efficient business and public service operations.

Gretton expressed pride in Telent’s involvement in delivering the GM One Network, a project that aligns with the region’s digital transformation goals.

Councillor Nick Peel, GMCA Portfolio lead for Digital City-Region, highlighted the collaborative efforts and the multi-year social value programme’s role in fostering business mentoring, apprenticeship opportunities, and support for start-ups.

He underscored Telent’s contribution to addressing the digital divide and advancing Greater Manchester’s status as a leading digital city region.

Network specifications and future-ready design

The core network, nearing completion, currently boasts a backbone speed of 100G.

Its design facilitates future expansion to speeds of 400G and above on the existing platform.

This forward-thinking approach ensures that all public sector organisations in the region can benefit from high-speed connectivity.

The first of the 1,300 locations is expected to connect to the new network in early 2024.

GMCA’s strategy of a ‘do things once’ approach will centralise network services, providing cost savings and service improvements.

This initiative aims to reduce duplication and streamline systems for better operational efficiency.

Digital blueprint and Greater Manchester’s ambitions

The Digital Blueprint for Greater Manchester outlines the region’s ambitions to become a world-class digital city-region.

It prioritises accessible and safe online public services and aims to enhance digital literacy among residents.

The GM One Network is a pivotal part of this blueprint, focusing on leveraging network assets across the public sector.

For more information about Telent and its services, visit Telent’s website.

IFSJ Comment

The GM One Network represents a strategic investment in digital infrastructure, essential for the modernisation and efficiency of public services in Greater Manchester.

This initiative demonstrates the growing importance of digital connectivity as a backbone for urban development and public sector innovation.

By centralising digital services and networks, the project aims to not only enhance operational efficiencies but also foster inclusivity in digital access.

The project aligns with wider trends in urban areas globally, where digital infrastructure is increasingly recognised as crucial for sustainable and equitable city development.

The foresight in its design, preparing for future advancements in technology, positions Greater Manchester as a forward-thinking leader in digital transformation.

The success of such initiatives sets a precedent for other regions to follow, highlighting the value of collaborative efforts between public authorities and technology specialists in driving digital advancement.