Scottish fire takes a major step towards resilient telephony helped by MLL Telecom

Managed network services provider MLL Telecom has announced the successful implementation of an internet-based voice (VoIP) communications system at the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s (SFRS) newly opened £12 million Cambuslang Asset Resource Centre (ARC) in Glasgow. This was delivered by MLL as part of its ongoing contract to provide SFRS with fully managed wide area network (WAN) services. 

“Cambuslang ARC is a major new development to enhance the working conditions for our staff working across different areas of the Service.”

Iain Morris, SFRS Head of Asset Management.

SFRS required the new VoIP system to maximise the operational effectiveness of the new multi-purpose ARC facility, located at its national headquarters and training centre. MLL’s solution will ensure SFRS staff from various support departments who have moved into the new building, and its team of mechanics responsible for maintaining fire appliances, can count on high quality, reliable and secure voice communications around the clock. 

The geographically diverse, fully resilient voice service was delivered by MLL from order to in-life within 48 hours and without any failures, allowing SFRS to meet the required go-live date. The solution was fully tested beforehand which also offered SFRS the opportunity to add new features that had not been considered during design.

Cambuslang ARC is the first of several VoIP installations that MLL is planning across various SFRS sites. In addition, MLL is currently trialling satellite-based communications at SFRS’s site in Dumfries.

“We are very pleased to have been able to meet SFRS’s challenging requirement to deliver resilient new telephony services within only 48 hours and which are aligned with its digital transformation cloud first strategy. Together with the tools, facilities and expertise available on site for maintaining the fleet of fire appliances and other specialist equipment, our internet-based voice communications solution will be equally key to helping SFRS keep local communities safe.” 

Roy Harby, MLL’s Public Sector Enterprise Business Product Solutions Architect.

Last year, MLL successfully completed a nationwide Wide Area Network (WAN) transformation at SFRS. The new SDWAN connects over 370 fire and rescue sites located throughout Scotland, including highland and island areas, while ensuring reduced network latency for an enhanced user experience, especially at remote sites. 

Read more about MLL Telecom and its 2023 contract award from Northumbria Police.