Updata Infrastructure, part of Capita IT Enterprise Services, has been awarded a four year, ?20m framework agreement by Norfolk County Council to enhance network services across the region including in council buildings, schools and libraries.
The first contract under the framework, worth ?10m, will see Updata install and manage wide area network (WAN), local area network (LAN), unified communications and mobile communications across the Council. As a result, the Council will benefit from a more robust and cost effective ICT infrastructure, improving operational and service performance.
An upgraded multi-channel contact centre, built on a new utility ‘as a service’ platform, will support citizen engagement. Council staff using a mobile phone will benefit from Updata’s new partnership with the ‘Anywhere SIM’ network, enabling employees to switch between three major networks and use the strongest possible signal.
The framework will also deliver an improved infrastructure to support education in the county, with schools that sign contracts benefiting from a fast, reliable broadband connection. In addition, an enhanced internet filtering service can provide schools a more granular level of control. Updata will showcase the latest educational technology in a ‘classroom of the future’, allowing head teachers to experience how new learning tools can benefit their pupils. Other Norfolk councils and health bodies are also expected to use the framework, which is also available to authorities in neighbouring counties.
Updata will offer at least ten apprenticeships during the course of the contract, plus two undergraduate work placements each year.
Al Collier, Norfolk County Council head of procurement, said: “This contract will reduce costs and enhance IT services for public sector staff and for schools, allowing them to work flexibly and deliver the best possible service to people in Norfolk. Other public sector organisations may also take advantage of the framework, further benefitting people across the region, and I’m delighted that Updata will be offering apprenticeships to local people”
Richard Masterson, Updata sales & marketing director, said: “We have vast experience of working with local councils and understand the specific demands and challenges they face in delivering services. We are committed to providing the best network services and helping the council adopt new technologies, allowing staff to offer a high standard of service for the benefit of Norfolk’s residents and businesses.”
