BT Defence

BT Defence is an established and innovative provider of ICT infrastructure and solutions to UK military, intelligence and security customers. We work closely with our customers to deliver effective solutions. Using our specialist resources and partners we ensure that you benefit from our world-class capabilities and receive the best value for money.

Fixed defence communications

The Defence Fixed Telecommunications Service (DFTS) is a private finance initiative (PFI) between the UK MoD and BT, enabling defence and industry partners to deliver and communicate flexibly, securely and seamlessly. Industry partners and other government departments can use the DFTS services by signing a framework agreement with the MoD. The agreement outlines the roles and responsibilities of all parties and serves as the client's authority from the MoD to use secure DFTS communications.

Military aviation voice, data, LAN, interconnect and WAN services

The DFTS contract delivers voice, data, LAN interconnect, and other WAN services to the MOD. The overall system consists of approximately 200,000 telephones, 3,000-4,000 high-speed data connections, and 2000 packet switch services. The MOD’s original configuration had 51 "stove pipe" networks, each owned by a different service organisation, and a total of about 1,000 operator assistance personnel. A prime requirement of the contract is to introduce new technology without disruption or loss of service.

Since the conception of DFTS in 1997, the MoD has benefitted from a more robust, coherent and cost-efficient secure communications network. In its ten years of operation, DFTS has already saved the MoD £700m, and will generate a projected £15m further savings each year. It has also streamlined associated manpower from 1,200 to 80. At a time when the UK defence budget is a hot topic, DFTS continues to provide peerless value for money, establishing itself as an indispensible resource.