MLL Telecom has been awarded a three-year contract to provide a new network for UK rail operator, TransPennine Express.
Under the contract agreement, MLL will provide a managed software defined wide area network (SD-WAN) encompassing 37 sites (80 circuits) – including head office, data centres and stations across the North of England and Scotland. The new network is due for completion in 2025.
This follows a competitive tender where enhanced security, resilience and bandwidth availability were high priorities. MLL’s managed SD-WAN solution will also ensure seamless connection for employees to key administrative applications.
The SD-WAN includes dual rather than single circuits and the implementation of Fortinet firewalls. The network will be monitored and supported 24/7 by MLL’s network operations centre.
“As MLL’s first customer in the Transportation sector we are especially delighted to be providing TransPennine Express with a modern, high quality managed network solution,” said Ross Billington, MLL strategic client services director. “MLL are very excited to bring our engineering expertise in providing SD-WAN and critical networking infrastructure to a new sector.”
Mark Morgans, TransPennine Express’ head of IT, said, “Our customers are at the heart of everything we do and we are continually investing in technology. The provision of SDWAN into our business will ensure our security and operational platforms are resilient and available which, ultimately will help improve the journey experience for those travelling on our trains.”