Telent rolls out 200-site network transformation to enable new era of digital policing
For Thames Valley Police and
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary, the move forms part of a wider
strategy to modernise and future-proof their digital infrastructure. Working
with Telent allows both forces to deliver on their vision for a more agile,
responsive, and digitally enabled policing model.
Awarded in November 2025, the
contract centres around a complete transition from legacy Multiprotocol Label
Switching (MPLS) infrastructure to a more flexible, cost-effective, and
easier-to-manage Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN). Compared with
traditional MPLS, the new solution offers both forces greater control, reduced
operational costs, and faster deployment of services - all essential for
delivering digital policing at scale. The SD-WAN solution also enables new
capabilities, such as the secure transfer of forensics data and improved
connectivity for frontline policing.
This major contract, to be
delivered as a fully managed service, sees Telent take on responsibility for
delivering a next-generation network connecting more than 200 sites across both
forces. The new design reflects modern policing needs and supports frontline
operations across rural, urban, and high-demand environments.
Telent will also provide support
for the existing LAN supporting over 24,000 connected devices and providing a connectivity
backbone for mission-critical services. The upgraded infrastructure will help
both forces deploy new digital tools faster and manage demand more effectively.
Most importantly, the upgraded
network is designed to support officers on the frontline, enabling faster
decision-making, smoother communication and more effective policing where and
when it’s needed most - from local neighbourhoods to large-scale public events.
It reflects both forces’ commitment to using technology to deliver better,
safer outcomes for the communities they serve.
“This partnership is about
more than connecting sites. It is about enabling officers, investigators, and
support teams to work more effectively, wherever they are. We understand the
pressures on modern policing and the need for infrastructure that’s secure,
responsive, and built to last. Our role is to deliver a network that meets
today’s challenges - and tomorrow’s - while making every pound of public money
count,” said Barry
Zielinski, Strategy and Development Director at Telent.
Telent has a long-standing track
record of delivering mission-critical communication solutions across the UK’s
critical national infrastructure, from transport and emergency services to
defence and utilities. This project builds on the company’s proven ability to
support complex and secure public sector networks. Senior stakeholders across Telent
have been closely involved, bringing dedicated focus and personal
accountability to the project - something the customer specifically valued.
“This programme is being
delivered by engineers who understand the unique pressures of emergency
services. Our teams are based across the UK, and bring deep, hands-on
experience working with critical national infrastructure. We are proud to be
supporting both Thames Valley Police and Hampshire & Isle of Wight
Constabulary with a resilient, secure network that’s built to perform, and
built to last.” added Barry.
Find out more about services from Telent for police and
emergency services here.