Fixed Line Telephony Services for EirGrid

Tender description

Due to the nature of EirGrid’s core business, Fixed Line Telephony services needs are significantly more onerous and different to a typical enterprise of EirGrid’s size. EirGrid’s business operates right across the island of Ireland, often in remote locations, so a robust and a resilient, reliable fixed line phone service with a strong coverage profile is a critical enabler for day to day operations and development of the Power System across the island. EirGrid currently has independent telephone services from two separate services providers. The primary service provider provides telephony infrastructure (e.g. Primary Rate Access lines, individual telephone lines) and carries EirGrid’s inbound and outbound Telephony traffic etc. The secondary service provider provides telephony infrastructure and caters for the possibility of EirGrid switching inbound and outbound telephone traffic in the event of a problem with the primary service provider. **Note: Given the critical nature of these services for the safe and efficient operation and management of Ireland’s Electricity Transmission System Network, EirGrid will need to be satisfied that there is a sufficient level of independence between the underlying infrastructures supporting both services. The framework agreements will be for an initial duration of one year with the option to extend annually for an additional 2 years, subject always to the satisfactory performance of the supplier. The primary service provider will provide the full range of services into the Oval, Deansgrange, Castlebar and Carrickmacross, as described in the Scope of Requirements. The Secondary service provider will provide the applicable sub-set of services to the Oval only, as described in the Scope of Requirements. However secondary services may be required to other EirGrid locations in the future.