HM Coastguard’s new £175 million communications network goes live, enhancing emergency response
Iain Hoey
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£175 million network connects UK coastline for coastguard emergency response
A £175 million communications network connecting 163 remote radio sites across 11,000 miles of UK coastline is now operational.
This project, part of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s (MCA) Radio Network Infrastructure Replacement Programme, ensures that His Majesty’s Coastguard (HM Coastguard) can maintain effective emergency response operations for thousands of distress calls from UK waters.
The project includes the installation of over 1,220km of new infrastructure, delivered by Telent, HM Coastguard’s technology partner, with the network spanning the Shetland Islands to the Isles of Scilly.
The new network represents one of the UK’s largest private broadband systems.
Telent began the first installations of this network in December 2020 after securing a ten-year contract with the MCA earlier that year.
The new system combines full-fibre and microwave technology, which is expected to improve the resilience and reliability of HM Coastguard’s search and rescue efforts.
According to Telent CEO Jo Gretton: “The reliable digital connection and the improved resilience provided by the new network will aid HM Coastguard’s life-saving search and rescue operations for years to come with Telent on hand to provide its critical expertise.”
Expansion of the coastguard’s digital capability
The newly upgraded network lays the foundation for future technological advancements and new projects for the MCA.
Telent’s collaboration with the MCA began in 2010 and has strengthened over time, moving from maintaining radio equipment at remote sites to implementing a nationwide full-fibre infrastructure.
Gretton noted: “The new network provides a firm foundation for the MCA’s potential future and new technology services and projects that only the high performance of a full-fibre network can support.”
The project involved a substantial technical upgrade, which enhances not only connectivity but also the overall bandwidth, security, and reliability of the network.
The transition from older systems to this fully modernised network represents a critical improvement for the MCA’s ability to respond to emergencies more effectively across the UK coastline.
Lee-on-the-Solent, Crystal Palace, Humber, Bridlington, and Brighton Marina were among the first sites to switch to the new system.
Nationwide impact on coastguard operations
The 163 connected radio sites cover the entire UK coastline, ensuring support for HM Coastguard operations in Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales, and England.
HM Coastguard Assistant Chief Coastguard Matthew Leat stated: “The national radio network is integral in supporting our mission of preventing the loss of life on the coast and at sea, enhancing our ability to respond to emergencies across the UK.”
Telent’s role does not end with the network’s completion.
The company is now responsible for managing the end-to-end performance of the system, monitoring and conducting maintenance to ensure that the network remains operational at full capacity.
These efforts are part of a fully managed service that includes technical updates and the resolution of any issues that may arise.
Telent’s long-term commitment to maintaining coastguard network
As part of the long-term contract with the MCA, Telent will provide continued support through regular maintenance, system updates, and management of the network’s performance.
The company’s involvement in this project is expected to contribute to the resilience of HM Coastguard’s operations for many years.
The improved performance and reliability of the network, as reported by Telent, is designed to support the future needs of the MCA, including potential expansion into new services or projects.
With the network now fully operational, HM Coastguard will benefit from enhanced communication capabilities, ensuring faster response times and better coordination across its operations.
The future-proof infrastructure will support ongoing advancements in technology and operational requirements as the MCA continues to work towards its mission of protecting life at sea.
HM Coastguard’s £175 million communications network goes live: Summary
A new £175 million communications network connecting 163 remote radio sites across the UK’s 11,000-mile coastline has become operational, enhancing HM Coastguard’s emergency response capabilities.
Telent, the technology partner for the project, secured a ten-year contract to deliver this network, which includes over 1,220km of new infrastructure and spans from the Shetland Islands to the Isles of Scilly.
The network integrates full-fibre and microwave technology, providing improved resilience, performance, and security for HM Coastguard’s search and rescue operations.
Telent will continue to manage and maintain the system as part of the contract.