Client:
British Telecom

Project Value:
£20 Million

Parsons' Services:
program management, project management, construction management

Many of British Telecom's (BT) telephone exchanges were built at the start of the telecommunications age with large spaces for bulky electro-mechanical switch equipment and, in many cases, human operators. As technology progressed during the 20th century, operators were replaced by mechanical switches, then the switches were replaced by tubes and electronics. As technology evolved and equipment became smaller, the need for space decreased. Today's state-of-the-art equipment and fiber optics require a mere fraction of the original space.

State-of-the-art distribution frame

BT has hundreds of facilities that average 40,000-60,000 square feet and support 30,000-50,000 connections. BT is now reviewing its space usage in its 5,500 operational exchanges to make operations more cost-effective. BT would also like to optimize the value of its real estate, especially in London where real estate values are at a premium.

A Parsons-BT team is implementing a program management approach for modernization and consolidation of several exchanges in central London. Parsons is primarily responsible for developing a “scheme design” and operational solution that results in a redesign of the access network, relocation of the exchange equipment to a receiver site, and the required accommodations modifications.

Following this stage, Parsons will execute the implementation and final closure phases using BT’s internal resources and approved contractors to facilitate the equipment and service transfers.

In some cases the BT exchange equipment can be consolidated into the basement of the building and the upper floors can be renovated for alternative usage such as BT office space or commercial and residential leasing.

The Parsons team has been key in finding cost-effective solutions to some of the most difficult engineering and telecommunications problems encountered by the project. Parsons' innovative thinking and persistence have been key factors in our success to date.

In the coming years, the Operational Network Estate Program will expand to include multiple concurrent sites throughout the UK. With web-enabled analysis, planning, scheduling, estimating, configuration management, document management and information management, the team will drive efficient, effective consolidation, enabling BT to serve its customers better and to realize the value of the unused space.

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