London councils share broadband network
Kable
Published: 28 Sep 2007 16:33 BST
A broadband network connecting public services across London was officially launched on Wednesday. The London Public Services Network project will provide a common infrastructure for public-sector organisations in the capital.
London boroughs are under increasing pressure to share information securely and efficiently with other public-sector organisations, and the network is designed to enable them to share information across organisational boundaries and with service areas.
It should also enable London councils to make substantial savings through shared services and encourage collaboration between boroughs, as well as the NHS and central government.
Councils are charged an initial connection fee of £20,173, and then pay £6,600 a year for maintenance and management fees.
The London Public Services Network (LPSN) makes use of the existing London Grid for Learning, described as a tried-and-tested infrastructure, whose cabling currently connects the majority of London boroughs.
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The project is led by London Connects, an organisation set up by London councils and the Greater London Authority to use new technology to improve public services and cut costs. It is supported by the London Centre of Excellence.
"LPSN is a business infrastructure which was put in on top of the London Grid for Learning. So far, 27 of the 33 London councils have signed up to the network and 16 already have connections," Stephen Fellowes, shared-effectiveness consultant for London Connects, told GC News.
"Most of the testing has been completed and we have a live gateway to the NHS network, N3, and we have also had final approval to connect to the Government Secure Intranet."
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