Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent progress he has made on implementing the next generation fixed communication network.

The next generation fixed communication network programme has made good progress towards delivering its outcomes.

Acceleration of programme benefits is now underway with opportunities being taken to expedite the closure of the legacy BT Network, and associated DFTS Contract.

This will incrementally deliver financial savings to the department, culminating in a significant cost reduction for Defence.

Concurrently the delivery of new support contracts that will enable transition to the future state are in development. This will enable detailed planning to commence with Fujitsu for the transition to modern network support arrangements.

Demonstratable progress has also been made through the development and implementation of a modern technical architecture solution and supporting operational model design that will transform how network services are procured and managed into the future.