Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) has revealed it expects an improved network of services after signing a £400,000 contract with managed network provider MDNX for three years.

The company, which employs more than 1,000 people and operates over 26 sites in Nottinghamshire, needed to replace its existing asymmetrical digital subscriber line and ATM connections before the end of October 2013.

It wanted a solution that ensured a smooth transition with scope for PSN-compliance in the future within their budget, opting for MDNX’s Public Services Network-compliant (PSN) solution.

So far, the solution has provided a base for broader network services such as Voice over IP (VoIP) and unified communications while improving the speed of NFRS’s sites.

Isy Bizaoui, MD of public sector at MDNX, said: "The NFRS requirement had a number of challenges that needed careful consideration; integration with the Tri-Counties WAN project, resiliency for the critical infrastructure supporting their future control system, as well as their immediate needs to move away from their legacy system with a smooth transition."

Gavin Harris, head of ICT at NFRS, said: "This solution does not just take care of our current needs, but it also provides scope to address anticipated future needs for a number of years, facilitating future collaboration, and preparing us for the Tri-Counties WAN project with a number of our neighbouring authorities within the East Midlands."