Telecoms company, THUS Group Plc have signed a £70 million contract with Highland Council to provide broadband connectivity in schools, libraries and council buildings throughout the region.
The seven year contract will deliver new high capacity broadband links to a total of 850 separate sites under the Highlands and Islands Pathfinder Broadband Procurement Project. The connectivity is scheduled for completion within two years, and has been launched at Crown Primary School, Inverness by First Minister, Jack McConnell MSP. Particular focus is paid in the project on providing schools with access to state-of-the art teaching and learning support.
Following a detailed evaluation of bids last year, Highland Council selected THUS as preferred supplier. The selection team opted for THUS as it is believed the company offered the optimum solution, using a mix of fibre, wireless and copper-based connections. Securing the contract establishes THUS as the sole provider of the Pathfinder Projects (North & South) in Scotland.
Arthur McCourt, Chief Executive of Highland Council, said: “Ensuring that local public services have access to the latest broadband technology is a vital step in modernising local government. It will provide a tremendous boost to modern learning and teaching practice and to the provision of services to the public.”
Bill Allan, Chief Executive Officer, THUS plc said: “We are delighted to have signed this important contract. THUS is a well established supplier to both National and Local Government, and to add the Highlands and Islands Pathfinder Broadband Procurement Project to our extensive public sector portfolio is further testament to our capabilities in this sector.
