UK energy provider secures four-year contract with Vodafone to overhaul operational telecoms infrastructure using fixed, mobile, and satellite technology
SP Energy Networks (SPEN), the utility arm of ScottishPower, has signed a four-year strategic agreement with Vodafone to modernise its operational telecoms network across Scotland. The move aims to enhance resilience, accelerate fault detection, and lay the groundwork for increased clean energy integration.
Grid of the Future
As part of one of the UK’s most ambitious energy transition initiatives, SPEN manages electricity distribution and transmission for more than 3.5 million customers across Central and Southern Scotland, North Wales, Merseyside, Cheshire, and North Shropshire.
The new agreement tasks Vodafone with delivering capital project support and network operations management services for SPEN’s critical infrastructure—including 19,500 substations, 23,000km of overhead lines, and 41,000km of underground cables.
“We’re delivering the biggest upgrade our grid has ever seen,” said Paul Garston, Head of Smart Grid Operations at SP Energy Networks. “Having the right partners is key to achieving that ambition, so it’s great to welcome Vodafone on board to maintain and modernise our operational telecom infrastructure.”
Connectivity Across the Grid
Vodafone will deploy a multi-layered communication backbone that includes:
-
Fixed-line infrastructure
-
Mobile connectivity (4G and 5G)
-
Satellite links for remote areas
These technologies will support SPEN’s operational functions and provide real-time monitoring, faster response to outages, and more efficient asset management.
Tom Stockwell, Head of Key Accounts at Vodafone UK, highlighted the strategic value of the deal: “It is not only about future-proofing SPEN’s distribution and transmission networks, but also using connectivity on The Nation’s Network to bring about new capabilities that benefit everyone—consumers, businesses and our environment.”
Vodafone-Three Merger Adds Momentum
The partnership follows the recent regulatory approval of Vodafone’s merger with Three UK. Under the deal, Vodafone has pledged an £11 billion investment to build a nationwide 5G Standalone network, with a goal of covering 89% of Scotland’s landmass.
This infrastructure boost is expected to reinforce its delivery capabilities for SPEN, especially in rural and hard-to-reach zones, and aligns with the Shared Rural Network (SRN) programme—an initiative to extend mobile coverage to underserved regions.
Sustainability at the Core
The collaboration is also deeply rooted in energy efficiency. Vodafone recently revealed the results of a sustainability trial in London, conducted with Swedish telecom equipment maker Ericsson. Using AI- and ML-powered software, the companies reduced the daily power consumption of 5G Radio Units by up to 33%.
These AI solutions, part of Ericsson’s Service Continuity AI App suite, dynamically manage energy needs across networks without sacrificing performance—offering both environmental and cost-saving benefits.
Future-Proofing Critical Infrastructure
SPEN’s selection of Vodafone as a technology partner signals the increasing convergence of telecom and energy sectors in response to climate imperatives and digital transformation. With rising demand for clean electricity and a more decentralized energy grid, smart communications infrastructure is becoming as vital as the power lines it helps manage.
“This partnership isn’t just about maintenance,” said Stockwell. “It’s about enabling a more intelligent, efficient, and greener electricity network.”
