British Council inks £100m Global Crossing IP network deal

The British Council has awarded a £100m contract for a new IP-based network to connect its worldwide offices to Global Crossing.

Under the seven-year deal Global Crossing will be responsible for providing a fully-managed terrestrial and satellite IP-based network connecting 7,000 British Council staff at 260 offices in 110 countries.

The project is part of the British Council's 'Strategy 2010' plan to extend its services around the globe and the IP-based network will enable better sharing of information through large file transfers, content distribution and videoconferencing. The modernisation strategy includes the rollout of other IT systems including SAP software.

The British Council is a registered charity with offices worldwide that promotes cultural and educational partnerships between the UK and other countries.

The first phase of the network will be rolled out next month in India, Sri Lanka, Oman and the United Arab Emirates and the entire network is expected to take two years to commission.

British Council finance director Margaret Mayne said in a statement: "Today's signing marks a new chapter for the British Council. It will enable us to compete in the global e-market and better serve the interests of millions of our customers worldwide."