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MLL completes VoIP installation for Scottish fire service

MLL Telecom has deployed a new VoIP solution for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

The managed network services provider has implemented a internet-based voice communications system (VoIP) at the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s (SFRS) newly opened £12 million Cambuslang Asset Resource Centre (ARC) in Glasgow.

This VoIP deployment was delivered by MLL as part of an ongoing contract to provide SFRS with fully managed wide area network (WAN) services.

SFRS required the new VoIP system to support the work of Scotland’s firefighters. The new solution will ensure SFRS staff across the new building can make high quality, reliable and secure voice communications.

The geographically diverse and resilient voice service was delivered by MLL from order to in-life within 48 hours and without any failures. The solution was tested beforehand which also offered SFRS the opportunity to add new features that had not been considered during design.

Cambuslang ARC is the first of several VoIP installations that MLL is planning across various SFRS sites. In addition, MLL is currently trialling satellite-based communications at SFRS’s site in Dumfries.

Roy Harby, product solutions architect, public sector, MLL, said, “We are very pleased to have been able to meet SFRS’s challenging requirement to deliver resilient new telephony services within only 48 hours and which are aligned with its digital transformation cloud first strategy.

“Together with the tools, facilities and expertise available on site for maintaining the fleet of fire appliances and other specialist equipment, our internet-based voice communications solution will be equally key to helping SFRS keep local communities safe.”

Iain Morris, head of asset management, SFRS, added, “Cambuslang ARC is a major new development to enhance the working conditions for our staff working across different areas of the Service.

“The building includes a state of art workshop for our mechanics who work tirelessly to keep fire appliances maintained to protect communities across Scotland. The design and materials used in this project has created one of our most energy efficient buildings, representing a tangible commitment to delivering value for money.”

In 2023, MLL completed a nationwide Wide Area Network (WAN) transformation for SFRS, the world’s fourth largest fire and rescue service. The new SD-WAN connects over 370 fire and rescue sites located throughout Scotland, including highland and island areas, while ensuring reduced network latency even at remote sites.