Thales and Telent shortlisted as potential supplier for HS2

Thales and Telent have revealed they have been shortlisted as a potential supplier to provide telecoms and security systems for HS2.

A joint statement says: “Critical digital infrastructure experts Telent and global technology leader Thales are delighted to have been shortlisted as a potential supplier to provide telecoms and security systems for High Speed 2. The successful shortlisting is an exciting next step for both companies who announced in January that they will be working together to explore opportunities in the UK transport sector.

“Telent and Thales have combined experience of delivering critical infrastructure projects and a shared passion for using technology to drive the transformation of the transport sector. These qualities make the team a compelling new force for delivering digital communications solutions in the UK. Both companies are committed to developing a passenger experience that Britain can be proud of, as well as driving local job creation and investment.”

HS2 began the search for a specialist contractor to deliver 230km of state-of-the-art telecommunications systems which will connect up the UK’s new high speed rail link between London, Birmingham and the north of England in June last year.

The winner of the contract – worth around £300m – will be responsible for the design, manufacture, supply, installation, safety authorisation, testing, commissioning and initial maintenance of the operational telecommunication systems and the route wide security systems on Phase One and 2a, between London and Crewe.

The scope of the work includes 2,760 km of fibre optic cabling, 140 trackside cabinets, dozens of equipment cabins and radio coverage across 230km, including:

• data transmission network
• operational telephony system
• tunnel radio system
• GSM-R radio network, including base transmission stations, antenna, etc.
• relocatable equipment buildings
• route wide security systems
• passive provision for Airwave

The winning bidder will also deliver a separate contract for the provision of technical support services.

Speaking at the time, HS2 Ltd’s Procurement and Commercial Director, David Poole said: “HS2’s operational telecoms systems will be the railway’s communications backbone – linking up the men and women who will run the railway and stretching across 230km of bridges, tunnels, stations, depots and other facilities. It will play a vital role in keeping everyone safe and ensuring we can deliver fast, reliable and frequent services.”

Photo credit: HS2 Ltd

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