Existing copper telephone wiring will be replaced with modern fi bre-based technology to each of the HM Coastguard’s 155 remote radio sites, which monitor VHF and MF radio transmissions from vessels.
The new network will be built and maintained by Telent Technology Services, with the replacement work expected to take a minimum of three years. Towns and villages close to the remote radio sites will also be able to utilise the new network, improving Internet connectivity for residents.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA)’s commercial and programmes director, Damien Oliver, said although the current network, X21 Kilostream, was 100% reliable it was around 40 years old. This makes it expensive to run, especially after BT withdrew it from the market, making spare parts diffi cult to source.
This story is from the October 2020 edition of Practical Boat Owner.
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This story is from the October 2020 edition of Practical Boat Owner.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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