• NTL provides fire brigade with innovative datacommunications network
• 34 Mbps IP network linking 7 operations centres and numerous fire stations
• 100 times more capacity than former leased-line solution

One of the largest fire services in Europe, Strathclyde Fire Brigade, has taken an innovative approach to upgrading their existing Wide Area Network (WAN), by deploying a state-of-the-art, high capacity IP digital radio network.  NTL's Public Safety group has provided the Brigade with a cost-effective, reliable and secure data-communications solution.

The design scope was to provide a fully integrated solution for seven main operation centres which was of high capacity (34Mbps), resilient, scalable and cost effective.  In addition, the design had to provide a method of connectivity that would satisfy the needs of a large number of fire stations both now and in the future.  Additional phases of the project are expected to widen the coverage of the network around Strathclyde, which covers an area of 13,850 km².

The proposal from ntl and radio supplier Westica offered an alternative to the traditional leased-line solution.  The leased-line and ISDN2 services previously used were increasingly unable to support many of the modern applications now in use by the Brigade personnel.  With the new network from NTL, the Brigade now benefits from an improved, modern solution, with a transmission capacity up to 100 times greater than the former network, as well as benefiting from increased ‘ownership' and control of the network and its costs.  One key advantage for Strathclyde Fire Brigade is that almost all of their premises have drill-tower structures on site which provide ideal locations for mounting antennas.  This minimises the use of third-party sites, reducing costs and further increasing the Brigade's control of the network.

Delighted with the results, Kenny Fraser, WAN Project Manager for Strathclyde Fire Brigade commented, "Throughout all stages of the project we have experienced true professionalism and commitment from the NTL team working with us in Scotland.  The solution now implemented is scaleable, resilient and manageable, providing us with greater user access and increased data bandwidth.  Our network users have noticed a vast improvement in  network efficiency and speed since the new system was activated; they are very satisfied with the performance and results.  Also it was clear to us that this particular package ensured future-proofing, allowing for network upgrades to be readily and economically achieved."

Malcolm Davies, NTL's Group Sales Director for Public Safety, added, "We're delighted to be working alongside Strathclyde Fire Brigade to provide this enhanced network that is fully capable of supporting the modern applications used by the Brigade today and in the future.  The robust network provides diversity and ease of transmission over geographically challenging terrain, and we are very pleased with the results and feedback from the customer.  We now look forward to working alongside the Brigade to further expand and support their network, demonstrating NTL's strong heritage in delivering reliable, end-to-end services to public safety and public sector organisations."

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