Capita to deliver ESN infrastructure for London Underground

Transport for London (TfL) has signed a contract with Capita for the design and delivery of key elements of the network infrastructure that will underpin deployment of the Emergency Services Network (ESN) throughout the London Underground.

The ESN is to be the next-generation emergency services mobile communications solution across the UK. It will replace the existing Airwave narrowband network, and will operate independently from public mobile phone networks.

The scope of the Capita contract — which is valued at £23.5m over 12 months — will involve the design, installation and testing of network cables in tunnels as well as installation and testing of LAN infrastructure on platforms and in stations.

“With close to half of the Tube located underground, it’s vital that this system will help support the police, fire and ambulance services if they are required to help our customers,” said Shashi Verma, Chief Technology Officer at TfL.

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