The new Vodafone network will provide four times more bandwidth than currently available and will allow new services such as video conferencing and collaborative working. Additionally, new Wi-Fi capabilities will be established within all the facilities, allowing legacy paper-based systems to be replaced for the first time by tablets and other mobile devices.
The transformation of the existing infrastructure will result in a new digital platform being created that will support and enable the delivery of EDF Energy’s IT strategy and 2020 vision for its generation business. The platform will improve training systems, support regulatory compliance and give more flexibility in how employees are able to work. Vodafone will also provide a dedicated on-site support team for EDF Energy to complement the existing in-house teams.
Underpinning the programme is a new commercial model between the two companies, which eliminates future communications related capex requirements for EDF Energy’s power stations across the duration of the contract.
“Innovation is at the heart of this success. Not just innovation in the use of technologies but innovation in the commercial structure of the agreement,” said Vodafone Group Enterprise chief executive Nick Jeffery (pictured right). “Bringing commercial certainty to the deal has allowed long term stability of investment for EDF Energy and makes planning a simpler process.”
“We were looking for a partner to help us with a double challenge - upgrading our network while at the same time bringing greater transparency, control and stability to the investment needed to maintain the network,” said EDF Energy head of infrastructure, IT Operations Nigel Pettifer. “This long term agreement meets our objectives and helps to create a partnership that will minimise risk and maintain innovation.”
