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North secures contract extension with the British Library

Solutions provider North has upgraded the British Library’s Wi-Fi system as part of a £1.7 million contract extension.

North has replaced 126 Wi-Fi access points at the St Pancras building, with Wi-Fi 6 technology providing faster internet connections across the building through with higher speed and superior performance.

In addition, North is overhauling the British Library’s core Wi-Fi network infrastructure to ensure that all equipment exceeds modern-day business standard. Remediation of the existing core structure is almost complete which will create an intelligent, integrated network solution for British Library staff and visitors.

Simon Wilcock, head of technology operations at the British Library, said, “We are constantly looking at ways to improve user experience and, in our now digital-first era, ensuring that we can offer users free access to best-in-class Wi Fi is essential.

“Our partnership with North has underpinned and strengthened the services we’re able to offer and we are delighted to extend our relationship with the team that fully understands our specific needs. The British Library is for everyone and we are looking forward to welcoming more visitors with the confidence of our enhanced free Wi-Fi network.”

Andy Parr, head of sales operations at North, added, “Our ongoing relationship with the British Library is testament to the experience, local knowledge and flexibility of the North team. The extension of our contract with the team is a significant milestone for North as we drive forward an ambitious pipeline of public sector contracts.

“For more than eight years, we have worked in partnership with the British Library to mobilise innovative and effective network and connectivity services that will help them to flourish digitally. We are really pleased to be continuing this work and look forward to building on our relationship.”

Over the last three months, more than 450,000 unique users accessed the British Library’s free Wi-Fi network for business and leisure purposes.