The National Grid has hired Verizon Business to update their communications systems. The National Grid expect the new communications systems to improve efficiency and help the National Grid to support business improvement.

The strategy agreement sets out the Grid’s designs for the future. Services will encompass wide and local area networks, telecommunications services, voice services, selected security services, as well as video conferencing.

David Lister, National Grid’s global chief information officer said: “The selection of Verizon as technology partner is part of company-wide transformation of National Grid’s information services.

National Grid expects to spend more than $27 million in the next two years to modernise its networks and telecommunications infrastructure as part of its work with Verizon.” National Grid expects this new global communications capability to help drive greater efficiency and better position National Grid’s IT infrastructure to support business improvement.

Verizon’s Global Energy & Utilities Practice operates in wireless and wireline networks to deliver advanced communications, IT and security solutions worldwide. The organization helps organizations address industry-specific challenges, including smart grid transformation, data management, security and compliance.