O2 UK Moves Closer to Offering a Mobile Public Services Network

Telecoms provider O2 UK has today moved one step closer to becoming fully Public Services Network (PSN) compliant after it become “the first mobile operator” in the United Kingdom to achieve CAS(T) certification (a test of network security) for its mobile voice and data services.

Now for those who don’t know, CAS(T) requires all of an operators telecoms services – especially those procured by public sector bodies – to be accredited to protect information (i.e. so that they can safely carry sensitive data like government documents). It should be noted that another certificate is needed to carry the top level of restricted or confidential information.

Billy D’Arcy, O2’s MD of Public Sector Business, said:

“Today’s certification is evidence of the strength, and resilience of our network, which we have invested over £1bn in over the past few years. Demand for mobile services has never been greater and they are being relied upon to a far greater degree as an essential backbone for the UK. The CAS(T) certification – a first for a UK mobile operator – is acknowledgement that O2’s investment in the security and strength of our network has paid off.

We continue to invest the equivalent of £1.5 million in our network every single day to offer seamless connectivity and remain focused on delivering an experience that exceeds our customers’ expectations, both in the private and public sector. As we strive to reach full PSN compliance, we will continue to work with some of the UK’s most essential public and private sector organisations to bring to life the transformational benefits of digital technology.”

The development is very important for O2 because it has been pushing hard since 2012 to be taken on as one of the Government’s official Public Services Network (PSN) partners, although they’ll need to cross a few more hurdles before the finish line.