Provision of Onboard IoT SIM Cards and Data Services

Northern Trains Limited intends to directly award British Telecommunications Limited the contract for the supply of SIM cards and data provision services. This decision is based on our established partnership with British Telecommunications Limited, which already supplies various data sources integral to Northern's operations. Northern Trains Limited operates fleets of trains equipped with sophisticated hardware that relies on onboard routers to facilitate seamless communication while in transit. To ensure the continued functionality and operational efficiency of these systems, as well as Northern's comprehensive data management infrastructure, it is imperative to maintain compatibility with the SIM cards provided by British Telecommunications Limited. Following an evaluation process, alternative Mobile Network Operators were found incapable of meeting Northern's commercial requirements for maintaining the existing routers on our fleet nor meet the technical requirements for interoperability and the essential availability required by our systems. This direct award to British Telecommunications Limited is essential for ensuring uninterrupted service provision and maintaining the high standards of service and reliability that our passengers expect and deserve.