BT has entered into a strategic partnership with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) to supply a new communications service and technologies which support the charity’s drowning prevention work.
BT will upgrade the RNLI’s fixed, wireless and mobile networks to help staff, volunteers and supporters connect faster and to make communications more cost-efficient.
The partnership will run for five years, focusing on improving the phone and internet network across RNLI sites and lifeboat stations, while providing alternative connectivity solutions in hard-to-reach areas.
Gerry McQuade, CEO of BT Enterprise, commented: “We’re excited to use our expertise and networks to help support the RNLI’s mission to save more lives at sea. 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.”
Fresh ideas
The RNLI charity operates to save lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands.
RNLI Chief Executive, Mark Dowie, said: “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,” he added.