RNLI and BT announce new partnership
BT will be supplying a new communications service and entering a partnership with the RNLI for the next five years.
The partnership will focus on improving the phone and internet network across RNLI sites and lifeboat stations, while providing alternative connectivity solutions in hard to reach areas.
Essentially, BT will upgrade the charity’s fixed, wireless and mobile networks. The RNLI says this improvement in communications will be more cost efficient.
“Through this new alliance, we’ll be able to reach even more people with our vital safety messages, with BT committed to helping us achieve our ambition of reducing drowning,” says RNLI chief executive, Mark Dowie.
“BT will provide core services, fresh ideas and innovations to help us save more lives. As a charity which operates around the whole of the UK and Ireland, BT will enable us to stay connected and take our communications to the next level.
“In addition to sharing our drowning prevention advice and supporting our lifesaving efforts, BT has pledged to support our fundraising work, and offered an agreement that represents good value for us as a charity, for which we are extremely grateful.”
“We’re excited to use our expertise and networks to help support the RNLI’s mission to save more lives at sea,” says Gerry McQuade, CEO of BT Enterprise. “There have been huge developments in areas such as 5G and smart connected technology in recent years and we’re looking forward to working with the RNLI on new solutions that will help them respond more quickly and work more efficiently.”
BT is also connecting the UK’s new Emergency Services Network.
