BT locks up contract with Spain's central government for network upgrade

BT has reeled in a three-and-half year contract worth $44 million to upgrade the Spanish government's global network.

BT, which has previously worked with the Spanish government, will provide a combination of international wide-area networks based on MPLS, internet connectivity and satellite connections to Spain's central government, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores y Cooperación) and the Institute of Foreign Commerce (ICEX).

The increase in the scope of current services and the launch of new services will take place across Spain’s embassies, consulates and trade offices.

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The increased bandwidth, security and resilience will be used for governmental employees' IT applications. The upgraded network will enable deployment of digital solutions, such as virtual desktops and web-based applications, for end-users, including citizens and Foreign Office staff.

The upgraded network, which is slated to launch in March will cover more than 400 premises across 120 countries. The contract also includes satellite-based connections to 10 scientific research ships in the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, as well as a Spanish polar research station in Antarctica.

While the extended contract is a boon to BT, it's somewhat of a blow to Telefónica Spain. BT has been providing global communication services to the Spanish central government since 2010, when it won a public tender for Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.