Networks Europe May-Jun 2018 | Page 8

08 NEWS IN BRIEF SSE Enterprise Telecoms to support Three UK’s network ambitions SSE Enterprise Telecoms has announced a major contract agreement with Three UK, which will see the two companies working together to support the mobile network’s growth and expansion goals. In the first phase of the partnership, which commenced in April 2018, SSE Enterprise Telecoms began facilitating fibre optic connections for Three UK’s 20 core data centres. These form part of its broader network footprint. The deal is expected to support Three UK’s network transformation, preparing it for an eventual 5G rollout and helping to deliver an enhanced 4G network experience for consumers. The data centre connection contract is part of a multi-million pound phased agreement that will also see SSE Enterprise Telecoms and Three UK unbundle BT exchanges in the coming years. Three UK has reported adding 900,000 new customers in 2017, with its 10 million customers averaging 6.8GB data usage per month – more than three times the mobile data consumption of the average UK user. As such, Three UK is investing in its next generation network to prepare for ever-increasing consu mer demands and the future growth of its business, including the rollout of 5G, as more pressure and demand is placed on existing infrastructure. The deal also demonstrates SSE Enterprise Telecoms’ ongoing commitment to bringing strategically placed commercial data centres onto its network, as well as playing a part in improving UK connectivity. SSE Enterprise Telecoms is one of a handful of dedicated UK connectivity providers seeking to assist the government’s aim of “encouraging the market towards ubiquitous ultra-fast services”, as well as improving the connectivity options of its current and future customer base. Industry estimates suggest next generation mobile services are expected to be available in 2020. n NETWORKS EUROPE The magazine for network and data centre professionals If you have any news please email James Abbott, [email protected] Mills notches up its first century in business Mills began trading in 1918 selling army surplus engineering tools to the numerous engineering workshops and factories springing up around west London. Better known today for its specialist tooling aimed at the communications industry, Mills also offers cable management and structured cabling products for data coms engineers and network installers. Always based in west London, the company has grown from a corner shop in Acton to the 50,000 sq ft facility it currently occupies on the Fairway Industrial Estate in Greenford, Middlesex. In 2007, the Company developed and launched its own range of structured cabling and fibre optic products. Branded Fusion, this ‘altogether better’ line was extensively researched and tested to offer installers time-saving, cost-effectiveness and high quality products. By popular demand, in 2010 Mills added an extensive range of overhead and underground tooling for the telecommunications industry which, as well as satisfying extensive need in the UK, also achieved a large following in former colonial countries. Today, due to the country’s demand for ever faster broadband speeds, Mills stands poised to increase its share of the ever-expanding communications marketplace. With such a wealth of experience and entrepreneurial spirit still flourishing within the Mills family, the organisation looks set to continue its remarkable progress for another hundred years and beyond. n Cerberus Systems proves data cable terminations are right with IDEAL The speed and accuracy of terminating cat5e and cat6 data cables with RJ45 plugs has been improved for electrical contractor Cerberus Systems thanks to the new FT-45 Feed Thru Modular Plugs and Crimp Tool from IDEAL. Jobs such as IP CCTV installations can now be completed more efficiently and profitably. To avoid delays when installing data cable, it’s important for cat5e and cat6 cable terminations to be done correctly first time. However, the type of installations Cerberus performs often requires technicians to install RJ45 plugs at the end of links that connect directly to CCTV and access control systems. Field terminated RJ45 plugs are prone to installation errors because they require the installer to trim the conductors to a precise length prior to placing the plug onto the cable. n www.networkseuropemagazine.com