Eircom wins £70million Northern Ireland deal

Eircom has won a 70 million contract from Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS) to rollout a new network over the next two years, taking over from BT who previously provided network services.

The Irish firm will overhaul the networks, dubbed "Network NI", and maintain them over the next six to 10 years. The modernised network will be able to handle voice, video and data traffic and will be secure and scalable, the government said, allowing key reform projects to go ahead.

"'Network NI' is a key underpinning project necessary for delivering on the NICS Reform Agenda. The service is urgently required, so I am delighted that we can now begin the rollout and look forward to completion within the two year window," said Bruce Robinson, Permanent Secretary for the Department of Finance and Personnel said. "This innovative project will play a vital role in delivering the best front line public services that government can provide."

Serviced from Eircom's new centre in Belfast, the contract will lead to 20 new jobs in the area.