Thales secures the connectivity of Highways Agency with 5-year Public Services Network contract

Key points

  • 5-year contract to secure connectivity for Highways Agency and its 49 sites.
  • One of the largest contracts awarded through the Public Services Network (PSN).
  • Thales has been awarded a 5-year contract to provide secure network connectivity services for the Highways Agency.

 

“Thales is looking forward to working with the Highways Agency to deliver a network solution that will significantly reduce costs…

Under the contract, let under the Government’s Public Services Network (PSN) connectivity framework, Thales will deliver a range of services to the Highways Agency including network connectivity, encryption security, Wide Area Networks Local Area Networks and remote access services for employees.

The Thales solution will enable the Highways Agency to exploit modern, secure communications that conform to the Government’s PSN standards, improving cyber-security, whilst significantly reducing Information and Communication Technology (ICT] costs and improving operational effectiveness. The backbone of the Thales solution is a secure, accredited network service that will link 49 sites across the United Kingdom.

Phil Naybour, Vice President, Secure Communications and Information Systems, Thales UK said “Thales is looking forward to working with the Highways Agency to deliver a network solution that will significantly reduce costs, whilst improving security and operational effectiveness. Thales aims to be a leading provider of secure network and cyber-security services for UK Government and Critical National Infrastructure. Securing this contract, one of the largest contracts awarded under PSN, helps to confirm Thales as one of the leading providers of PSN connectivity solutions where there is a requirement for enhanced security.”

The secure network will enable improved information sharing between Highways Agency sites, whilst supporting secure voice and improved data communications services.  Thales will manage transformation and migration of all users from their existing network to the new encrypted service. Thales will provide gateway services, which will ensure the data integrity and security of information whilst allowing Highways Agency staff to work more flexibly and efficiently. Thales will also supply a high-security Remote Access Solution (RAS) to enable users to connect securely to the Highways Agency networks from remote or home based locations.

 Notes to editors
• Thales will support the Highways Agency contract using project managers and engineers from its Network Operations Centre in Doncaster and its facility in Basingstoke, home to a new Cyber Security Operations Centre.
• The Highways Agency is an executive agency of the Department for Transport and is responsible for operating, maintaining and improving the strategic road network in England on behalf of the Secretary of State for Transport.
• The aim of the Public Services Network (PSN) is to create a single network, based on industry standards, and in so doing, create a more open and competitive ICT marketplace at the heart of the UK public sector.
• PSN will substantially reduce the cost of communication services across UK government and enable new, joined-up and shared public services for the benefit of citizens.
• The PSN programme utilises two commercial frameworks: one for Connectivity and one for Services. Both the PSN connectivity and the services frameworks are now operational.
• As one of the few companies to supply both PSN frameworks, Thales provides a full suite of secure network and cyber-security assessment, audit and assurance capabilities. Thales specialises in securing critical information for our clients in a cost-effective way.
About Thales
Thales is a global technology leader in the Aerospace, Transportation and Defence & Security markets. In 2013, the company generated revenues of €14.2 billion with 65,000 employees in 56 countries. With its 25,000 engineers and researchers, Thales has a unique capability to design, develop and deploy equipment, systems and services that meet the most complex security requirements. Thales has an exceptional international footprint, with operations around the world working with customers and local partners.
Thales UK employs 7,500 staff based at 35 locations. In 2013 Thales UK's revenues were around £1.3 billion.
Positioned as a value-added systems integrator, equipment supplier and service provider, Thales is one of Europe’s leading players in the security market. The Group’s security teams work with government agencies, local authorities and civil operators to develop and deploy integrated, resilient solutions to protect citizens, sensitive data and critical infrastructure.
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