Vodafone has been awarded a new four-year, €100 million contract to manage and modernise the operational telecoms infrastructure for SP Energy Networks (SPEN), the networks division of ScottishPower. The partnership will support the delivery of essential telecommunications services across SPEN’s electricity transmission and distribution networks, which power more than 3.5 million homes and businesses across Central and Southern Scotland, Merseyside, and North Wales.
As part of the contract, Vodafone will lead the delivery of capital telecoms projects aimed at modernising SPEN’s operational systems. This includes upgrading performance monitoring and fault identification technologies across over 110,000 kilometres of overhead lines and underground cables, and more than 30,000 substations. In Scotland alone, SPEN operates 19,500 substations, 23,000 km of overhead lines, and 41,000 km of underground cables, supplying electricity to around two million homes and businesses.
Vodafone’s work will help strengthen network resilience, ensure the maintenance of critical telecoms assets, and support the integration of more renewable energy into the grid. The company will also provide a range of connectivity solutions, including fixed, mobile and satellite services, along with routine maintenance and operational support to assist SPEN in quickly identifying and resolving faults.
Paul Garston, Head of Smart Grid Operations at SPEN, highlighted the significance of the collaboration: “We’re delivering the biggest upgrade our grid has ever seen, ensuring our electricity network supports a cleaner and greener future for us all. Having the right partners is key to achieving that ambition, so it’s great to welcome Vodafone on board to maintain and modernise our operational telecom infrastructure and ensure it continues to deliver for our customers and communities for years to come.”
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