National Grid signs voice and data deal

Energy group hopes to improve customer service with £5m Vodafone contract

Mobile communications are expected to support National Grid maintenance issues

Energy distribution firm National Grid has signed a £5m deal with Vodafone for the provision of a mobile voice and data service.

Vodafone will support the firm's voice and data traffic for three years. During that time, embedded SIM cards in laptops and telemetry SIMs will be provided for diagnosing potential issues within the electricity and gas network.

Mobile broadband devices will also be supplied to ensure permanent access to company information by field engineers.

National Grid said that having reliable communications will help maintain service levels and quick response rates to its customers.