SKYNET5

Military Communications Network

The SKYNET 5 Programme will provide the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) with the next generation of military satellite communications, linking fixed defence networks with naval, air and land forces deployed in overseas theatres. Skynet 5 will deliver a comprehensive range of services that include voice and data communication at all levels of protective marking, and is at the heart of the UK MOD's drive towards a Network Enabled Capability (NEC).

As part of the team, Serco Group ("Serco") will play an important role in this key government programme. The contract is worth around £2 billion over fifteen years to the team as a whole, and in the region of £220 million to Serco.

http://www.serco.com/media/pressreleases/2002/001_2002.asp

Purple Communications Ltd have been selected by Serco to be their preferred cabling installer in support of the SKYNET5 contract.

We have been involved with various projects for Serco, involving secure fibre optic links and copper networks at their main sites in Hampshire and Wiltshire. Working in these environments has presented Purple Comms with some interesting and challenging projects.

“We are working in a secure environment and therefore we have to be constantly thinking about security implications whilst working on site, we provide Serco with M.o.D security cleared engineers with a good understanding of the rules governing installations including JSP480/440. Our engineers are often working in live cabinets which are providing mission critical communications to U.K. armed forces out in theatre such as Afghanistan and Iraq, this presents its own problems and requires a methodical approach to our work that we undertake”

Jonathan Dorrington - Director