HS2 Ltd has begun looking for a specialist contractor to deliver 230km of telecommunications systems for the new high-speed line.
This contract is worth in the region of 300m GBP and the winning party will take on the design, manufacturing, supply, installation, safety authorisation, testing, commissioning and initial maintenance of the telecoms systems and route-wide security systems for Phase 1 and 2a.
The contract will involve 2,760km of fibre optic cables, 140 trackside cabinets, equipment cabins and radio coverage across the 230km line, 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 mobile communications network for emergency services
The winning bidder will also have a separate contract to provide technical support services.
This procurement is the third rail systems contract HS2 has embarked on. The first two were for track systems and signalling systems.
“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.
“I look forward to our team working with the suppliers who come forward and together ensuring that we deliver best quality and value for the project.”
In 2021 HS2 Ltd will announce separate contracts for third-party communications, including mobile phone coverage for passengers on trains and in stations, wifi, and an emergency services network. The winning bidder of the operational telecoms contract is to take on a leading role in managing the interfaces between telecommunications and other contracts.
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