BT has announced a 10-year multi-million pound contract with Sunderland City Council for a network that will enable the council to offer higher levels of service to its customers, while generating savings across all City Council services.

BT will deliver a corporate network connecting 188 sites, including council buildings, which will help make council services more efficient and effective.

The deal comes as Sunderland steps up the roll-out of its ambitious programme of social, economic and physical regeneration. A key part of this is embracing the benefits of new technologies and applications. The City Council and Sunderland Partnership recognise that a city-wide infrastructure is essential as an enabler for both business and community sectors.

Councillor Paul Watson, Leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “We have an established record for delivering excellent services to the people of Sunderland. The strategic partnership with BT will help us build on the good work we've done and deliver even better value for money for Sunderland’s Council Tax payers. The partnership will put Sunderland’s residents, businesses and the council at the forefront of developments in government IT services.”

Neil Rogers, President Government & Health, BT Global Services, said: “We look forward to delivering excellent service to the people of Sunderland over the next decade. BT is an established, long-term partner of the council and is committed to assisting Sunderland realise the vision outlined in the Sunderland Strategy 2008 – 2025.”