NZDF CIO - Peter Thomas
5 December 2008
The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) has selected TelstraClear as its preferred supplier for Wide Area Network services and Vodafone New Zealand for the provision of mobile services.
The improved capabilities acquired in these contracts are required to provide modern telecommunications for the Defence Force now and into the future.
The decision to go with TelstraClear and Vodafone was based on price, functionality, ease of upgrade, service delivery, superior global roaming and the potential gains from these strategic partnerships.
The Chief of Defence Force, Lieutenant General Jerry Mateparae, says the decision to award the two contracts is truly innovative.
“As a result of this agreement we will have telecommunications partners who will stand beside us for the next ten years,” Lt Gen Mateparae says. “It will enable us to operate more effectively to address the security challenges of the future.”
The NZDF’s Chief Information Officer Mr Peter Thomas says the long term nature of the contracts will allow the NZDF to form strong and mutually beneficial partnerships with both Vodafone and TelstraClear. This means that as demand for cutting edge, high speed communication grows, the companies supplying these services will be able to invest in new technology knowing they’ll have the time to recoup their investment.
“It’s a win for both the NZDF and taxpayers, as we have achieved significant cost savings, while at the same time, being able to enhance our technological capabilities. The long term nature of the relationship actually improves our ability to change and grow our telecommunications abilities to meet the changing needs of our modern Defence Force.”
“The high speed network provides extremely reliable 10Gb links between the data centres and 1Gb links between major camps and bases. There’s also an easy upgrade to 40Gb and beyond,” says Mr Thomas.
The tender process was open and highly competitive and lasted twelve months; Ernst & Young project managed the procurement process as a key advisor to the NZDF. The NZDF has been in constant contact with all of the parties throughout the process. A similar solution proposed by Telstra is currently under consideration by the Australian Defence Force. Up until now these services have been supplied by Telecom New Zealand and Gen-i.
“It’s worth noting that Gen-i, despite missing out on this contract, remains a significant and valued information technology partner with the NZDF,” says Mr Thomas.
ENDS
For any further information please contact Mr Peter Thomas on 027 441 5377 or direct enquiries to Chris Wright, Defence Communications Group on 04 496 0296.
Note: There are currently 665 New Zealand Defence Force personnel deployed on operations, UN missions or exercises overseas.