BT today announced a partnership with HPE to offer customers a new managed service powered by HPE Aruba Networking delivering improved performance, flexibility and control of local area networks (LANs). It combines BT’s global reach and extensive experience in the design, deployment and management of in-building wired and wireless connectivity with the latest HPE Aruba Networking LAN solutions. 

Many legacy LANs struggle to support hybrid workers’ expectations when accessing apps in offices, branches, warehouses, factories or campuses. This is exacerbated by increasing use of bandwidth-hungry video collaboration tools. Colleagues also expect consistent and reliable Wi-Fi connectivity around the building. The increasing number of connected devices, including internet of things (IoT), adds further complexity and cyber security risks.

BT’s new HPE Aruba Networking Managed LAN service will allow customers to securely modernise connectivity to support changing workstyles and keep apace of IoT demands. 

As a first step, BT audits the LAN to identify what is already in place and what could be re-used and anything that should be replaced. HPE Aruba Networking provides interoperable technology that can avoid the need to replace the entire network. BT will work collaboratively with the customer to manage costs by providing a staged approach to modernisation with benefits realised at each stage.

BT then evaluates how to secure and protect connected devices. It simplifies visibility by giving customers a single dashboard hosted in the cloud. This centralises reporting, analytics, security, scalability and resilience in one platform to help customers deliver a consistent end-user experience. It can also identify redundant devices using unnecessary power and automate network and energy optimisation.

Andrew Small, director of voice and digital work, Business, BT Group, said: “It’s clear that legacy in-building networks can’t handle modern hybrid working and IoT devices, never mind what comes next.  That’s why we’re expanding customer choice of managed LAN solutions by partnering with HPE Aruba Networking. This will offer the visibility, flexibility and security customers need to deliver productive, trusted wired and wireless connectivity.”

“Global customers that are building their connectivity strategies are focusing on modern enterprise networks that are secure, agile, responsive to business needs and simple to operate, while being powerful drivers of transformation,” said Phil Mottram, executive vice president and general manager, HPE Aruba Networking. “HPE Aruba Networking is at the forefront of reinventing how customers and partners can consume or deliver business-outcome focused networking, and by integrating our AI, security, automation, and Network as a Service capabilities, our global managed LAN service with BT is an example of how the network is helping customers achieve their business objectives.”

BT has secured a major new networks contract with the Army – paving the way for the rollout of smart bases across the UK.

The company’s Business unit has won the five-year contract with the British Army to deliver a managed Wi-Fi service, referred to as MOD Wi-Fi. The deal will see BT provide managed secure Wi-Fi across 162 new UK army sites, with the future potential to expand the contract to other Defence customers, including the RAF and Royal Navy.

The new contract will expand on the existing 200 Ministry of Defence (MoD) sites that BT’s Defence team currently manage in the UK, Cyprus and Germany, following over a decade of partnering with the MoD for its Wi-Fi network requirements.

It will deliver a huge digital infrastructure boost, with a managed firewall built-in for enhanced security. Soldiers, who may currently struggle to receive connectivity in remote base locations, will now benefit from enhanced contact with loved ones and ability to relax during their down-time through access to digital platforms thanks to free, fast and reliable internet. The delivery programme covers all buildings in the sites being equipped, including offices, hangars, training facilities, technical accommodation and workshops. All recreation spaces, messes, sports and dining facilities will also be covered by the service.

The connectivity will also provide the foundation for smart bases to begin rolling out over the next 12 months, enabling sites to improve the digital experience for military personnel, enhancing security with smart surveillance and intelligent Building Entry Systems, and supporting net zero ambitions by maximising building occupancy for more efficient energy consumption.

Ed Stainton, Director of Major Government at BT, said: “The opportunities and threats posed by digital technology mean the Army needs the most reliable and secure networks possible – and we’re proud to be a trusted partner that can deliver for them. This new managed Wi-Fi service from BT will provide important connectivity across areas of training, business and welfare.

“Crucially, the contract will also lay the foundation for Front-Line Commands to introduce smarter ways of working, unlocking the benefits of new technologies on MOD Wi-Fi that will provide efficiencies, enhance productivity and increase security.”

Major General John Collyer, The British Army Director Information said: “This is another critical delivery under the ambitious British Army Digital Transformation Initiative – Programme THEIA. 

“We are thrilled to partner with BT for the Army Estate Wide Internet work – which will deliver ubiquitous internet access across our estate – for business use, research, leisure, gaming, innovation, trials and more. Another leap forward, and I thank the staff of BT and in Army HQ for their Herculean work getting us to this stage. It will make a huge difference for our people and our outputs.”

BT has already been working in partnership with the Army to establish a smart base in Larkhill, South West England, with a digital infrastructure that incorporates fibre broadband and private 5G. The base uses technology such as HD cameras and sensors, facial recognition, smart building entry and management, digital signage to relay tailored messages to different audiences, and secure printing.

ENDS

Notes to editors

• BT Group is one of the UK’s largest employers of both serving Reservists and former Armed Forces personnel, with thousands of ex-military colleagues working across its business.

Last year BT reaffirmed its commitment by re-signing the U.K. Armed Forces Covenant. The Covenant is a commitment from the nation that those who serve or have served, and their families, are treated fairly and not disadvantaged in their day-to-day lives because of their military service.