UK rail operator Network Rail has awarded O2 Unify, the IT services arm of the mobile telco, a contract to upgrade its network infrastructure over the next three years.

The contract, worth "several million pounds", will see O2 Unify upgrade all of Network Rail’s Cisco-based network infrastructure across 450 sites, include four UK data centres. It will also build local- and wide-area networks for the rail operator’s new facility in Milton Keynes, which will house 3,500 employees later this year.

According to a statement from O2 Unify, the contract will help Network Rail "to deliver its strategic transformation programmes, reduce the total cost of ownership (TCO) of the network infrastructure estate and reduce indirect TCO to the business by improving levels of availability and being able to respond better and quicker to changes in business needs."

Launched early last year, O2 Unify is a joint venture between the mobile company and UK IT services company 2e2. The organisation offers managed network services, and has so far won customers that include public services companies Amey and Civica and security firm G4S.