TS Technology Services Plays a Key Role in Award Winning Connected Communities Project
TS Technology Services, part of Tyco International, has played a key role in a major telecommunications project that recently won Outstanding European Broadband Project 2007. This prestigious European award was given in recognition of the innovative approach and outstanding efforts of the project team to bring broadband services to rural areas and disadvantaged regions and was presented at the recent ‘Bridging the Broadband Gap’ conference. The project was one of 179 entrants for the award and made the top fifty selection before being named the winner after voting by over 600 attendees at the conference in Brussels
TS Technology Services, part of Tyco International, has played a key role in a major telecommunications project that recently won Outstanding European Broadband Project 2007. This prestigious European award was given in recognition of the innovative approach and outstanding efforts of the project team to bring broadband services to rural areas and disadvantaged regions and was presented at the recent ‘Bridging the Broadband Gap’ conference. The project was one of 179 entrants for the award and made the top fifty selection before being named the winner after voting by over 600 attendees at the conference in Brussels. TS Technology Services was awarded the contract for the installation of the ‘Connected Communities’ project, which brings high speed broadband services to remote communities in the Outer Hebrides. By the end of 2007, the Outer Hebrides is expected to have the most advanced and comprehensive Internet connectivity of any rural area in the UK. |
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As part of the project team, TS Technology Services was responsible for installing the communications system, including microwave radio links, routers and power supplies, often in remote locations. TS Technology Services also won a new 3 year services contract to provide full maintenance of the entire network, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including new installations for residential and business customers.
According to Donnie Morrison, Project Manager for Highlands and Islands Enterprise: “All the project partners believe that broadband is essential to the economic development of the Outer Hebrides to allow businesses in the most rural communities to compete in world markets and the award for Outstanding European Broadband Project 2007 gives international recognition to the success of the project.”
The visionary Connected Communities project is led by Highlands and Islands Enterprise and is jointly funded by the Local Authority, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and the Highlands and Islands Transitional Partnership. The network connects businesses, teleworkers, schools, community centres, airports, post offices, remote learning centres, doctors, hospitals and homes across the Outer Hebrides. The programme has already connected hundreds of private residents who now enjoy an advanced symmetrical service ahead of broadband users in more populated parts of the UK.
The project was a major logistical and technological challenge, involving the installation of complex telecommunications and wireless equipment, often in difficult terrain and remote areas. It connects users from the island of Barra in the South to the North of Lewis, a distance of over 200 kilometres, using new and existing radio masts at strategic points across the five main islands.
Ian Millard, Account Manager for TS Technology Services said: “We are absolutely delighted to be associated with this large project that has succeeded in winning a major international award.”
TS Technology Services worked closely with Atkins Ltd, the international engineering consultancy who provided the overall network design, equipment and services procurement, and ongoing project management for the Highlands and Islands Connected Communities project.
