The PSN is a ‘network of networks’ which aims to unify public sector network infrastructure procurement across the UK. It is part of the government’s drive to save taxpayers £500 million in 2014 by improving efficiencies in its IT spending.
Under the agreement, CityFibre will supply dark fibre connectivity into Easynet’s PSN network as part of their overall solution. This provides Easynet - a UK Government approved and accredited PSN and G-Cloud supplier - with the ability to offer its public sector customers with limitless capacity at a competitive price, as well as the ability to ‘tune up’ bandwidth over time, providing a truly future-proofed infrastructure platform.
The metropolitan borough of Kirklees in West Yorkshire will be the first area to benefit from the implementation of CityFibre’s technologies.
CityFibre’s network deployments all follow the company’s Well Planned City design, factoring in not just immediate, but also future demand. The overall design, including the route, number of fibres and access points can accommodate significant expansion enabling data centres, mobile towers, businesses and even homes to be connected to the network in the future.
Commenting on the agreement, Simon Holmyard, head of public sector, Easynet, said: “There is a real opportunity for public sector customers to realise the value available under PSN by incorporating all the available infrastructure and technologies, delivering maximum flexibility and commercial value. This agreement with CityFibre complements our accredited PSN network service provision and adds to our Government portfolio of Hosting, Unified communications and collaboration services. We see CityFibre playing a significant part in this market transformation as part of our overall solutions”. He continues, “With the Public Sector drive towards Smart Working, having access to data anywhere and anytime is key. High speed access is a must. This partnership will enable local public sector to embrace “Smart Working”. Kirklees and its peers and partners can leverage the power of the network for the benefit of local services and citizens”.
Greg Mesch, CEO at CityFibre said: “Thanks to our partnership with Easynet, CityFibre is now approved as a supplier to Easynet for the Government’s PSN framework. Our city-wide pure fibre solutions are now available to local authorities throughout the UK."