IP network supports council's security plans
Wansbeck council is using converged communications to save money and improve services
Wansbeck Council is using an IP network to improve citizen's security and raise service standards.
The north-east England local authority is also using IP to save money through the convergence of its telephone, video and data networks.
Regional CCTV feeds can now be routed back to Wansbeck's main office, allowing increased use of surveillance and reducing the costs of operating the system.
The IP system has also been linked to the council's new call centres, allowing more contact between agents and the public.
The Alcatel IP system allows staff all over the district to communicate more effectively with one another, says John Kelly, the chief IT officer for Wansbeck Council.
'It has improved both their productivity and Wansbeck's overall ability to deliver a high standard of service to the community,' he said.
The IP network is also being used to provide the backbone for a licensed wireless internet system covering more than 30 public sector buildings in the area, and links to other nearby councils.
The wireless network gives the councils the ability to be more flexible in the way they communicate, says Kelly.
'This flexibility also enables easy integration of additional sites and councils, while going forward we hope to provide free internet access from all public buildings.'
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