BT has secured a multi-million-pound contract with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to provide thousands of mobile connections that will support real-time monitoring and response to critical environmental events across England, Scotland and Wales.
Under the five-year agreement, BT will deliver 34,000 mobile connections using EE’s network. These connections will power a wide range of devices—from water sensors to payment machines—and support frontline workers tackling issues such as flooding, extreme weather, water quality, and disease outbreaks in farming.
The improved connectivity will enable fast and reliable data reporting, helping DEFRA and its partner agencies respond more effectively to urgent situations. These include the Environment Agency, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Natural England, Marine Management Organisation, and the Rural Payments Agency.
Andy Rowe, BT’s Director of Central Government, said: “It’s a privilege to welcome DEFRA to the EE network and support their mission to restore and enhance the environment for future generations. Their workers do vital work across the UK, and it’s crucial they have reliable network coverage—especially during crises.”
This partnership underscores the growing role of digital connectivity in environmental protection and rural resilience.
.){kind=link}