BT Secures Multi-Million-Pound Contract with DEFRA to Enhance Mobile Connectivity for Real-Time Reporting

BT Secures Multi-Million-Pound Contract with DEFRA to Enhance Mobile Connectivity for Real-Time Reporting

(IN BRIEF) BT has secured a multi-million-pound contract with DEFRA to provide mobile connectivity for real-time reporting on critical events like flooding and disease outbreaks. The contract will use EE’s mobile network to supply 34,000 connections across England, Scotland, and Wales, enabling efficient reporting on water quality, extreme weather, and disease spread in farming. The partnership will also contribute to DEFRA’s carbon reduction goals, providing tools to monitor energy consumption and minimize waste.

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, 2-May-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — BT has signed a multi-million-pound contract with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to provide thousands of mobile connections, enhancing real-time reporting of critical events ranging from flooding to agricultural disease outbreaks. This contract, spanning up to five years across England, Scotland, and Wales, will utilize EE’s award-winning mobile network to deliver 34,000 mobile connections for workers and various devices, such as water sensors and payment machines.

The newly established connectivity will enable reliable, real-time data reporting on crucial issues including water quality, extreme weather events, flood risks, and the spread of diseases in farming crops and livestock. The initiative will benefit DEFRA and its Cluster Members, which include The Environment Agency, Animal, Plant & Health Agency, Natural England, Marine Management Organisation, and The Rural Payments Agency.

Andy Rowe, BT’s Director of Central Government, said: “We’re excited to welcome DEFRA to the EE network and support their vital work to protect and restore the environment for future generations. Their employees perform critical roles across the UK, and it’s essential that they have access to reliable network coverage, especially in times of crisis.”

The project will also take advantage of EE’s investment in the UK’s Shared Rural Network (SRN), improving 4G coverage in rural areas. This will ensure both field-based and office-based DEFRA employees are equipped to work effectively, even in remote locations.

Additionally, BT is committed to supporting DEFRA’s carbon reduction efforts as part of the agreement. Through tools such as eSIM capability and BT’s Carbon Dashboard, DEFRA will gain insight into electricity consumption and carbon emissions at an individual workload level, helping to reduce waste and minimize carbon-generating activities.

Andy Rowe further emphasized, “Hybrid working for organizations with large fleets and field workers goes beyond the home and office. For DEFRA, staying connected while on the move is essential to support their operations and serve the public, especially during emergencies.”

BT remains a leader in delivering critical connectivity infrastructure in the UK, with its fixed and mobile networks supporting essential public services across the country. In addition to connecting national and local government bodies, BT collaborates with over 200 NHS trusts, 43 police forces, and 29 fire services, and has handled all incoming 999 calls since 1937.