SGN extends relationship with SSE

SSE Enterprise Telecoms has extended its existing relationship with Scotia Gas Networks (SGN), in a new deal to connect its main gas control sites, from which it monitors and controls the flow of gas across Scotland and Southern England.

Having supported SGN’s gas network since 2006, this new contract will see SSE Enterprise Telecoms deliver extended WAN and LAN services to link its core sites in Horley and Horsham. SSE Enterprise Telecoms’ Ethernet services also now connect 40 SGN depots and its layer three packet network is linking 62 hilltop and offtake sites. As part of this latest project, SSE Enterprise Telecoms also delivers telemetry services, which enable SGN to manage, communicate and transfer critical and regulatory information between these locations, and will also provide and manage its critical telephony connectivity services.

SSE Enterprise Telecoms was awarded this latest contract following a competitive tender. Key to SGN’s decision this time around – in addition to the guaranteed availability of the network – was the bespoke service wrap and the highly qualified, attentive team, which was completely informed on its evolving business needs. For example, billing accuracy and predictability was extremely important for SGN, and SSE Enterprise Telecoms’ team continues to offer this granularity on a quarterly basis.

“Due to the nature of the mission critical services we deliver to customers 24/7, working with a trusted provider, that wouldn’t let us down when it came to availability, really was our top priority,” said Andrew Quail, director of IT at SGN. “SSE Enterprise Telecoms’ continued efforts to meet this expectation throughout our time working together made it a clear choice for our latest network requirement and the dedicated telecoms team didn’t let us down. SSE Enterprise Telecoms offers a level of flexibility and availability that goes above and beyond the confines of our contractual agreement, it takes our changing business needs in its stride, delivering an impressive service that extends to both the network and the people involved. We look forward to continuing the relationship in the future.”

Flexibility of telecoms services was also particularly important to SGN, as it needed to be able to rapidly scale up network capacity at times of peak demand, while ensuring that its 5.8 million customers are connected at all times and without fail.

“Our heritage as a trusted network provider and extensive experience in delivering mission critical services to energy companies – including to our parent company, SSE – was crucial to SGN when we began working together in 2006,” said Colin Sempill, managing director at SSE Enterprise Telecoms. “Indeed, our reputation gave SGN the peace of mind that we have an in-depth understanding of the industry and are able to meet its changing requirements. We are delighted to have extended our relationship with SGN and are proud to report that we now deliver the majority of the company’s WAN and LAN requirements.”