SSE Telecoms (SSET ) is looking for supply chain input to understand the potential of designing and developing a cable connection system suitable for use in introducing a fibre optical cable into live potable water mains in the UK.

SSE Enterprise Telecoms operates a 20,000km private telecoms network and 15 data centres that span the UK.

The company has issued a Request For Information (RFI) for the market to provide information only at this stage.

To help deliver the next phase of its smart infrastructure initiative, SSET is seeking to engage with the supply chain – if the process of initial engagement progress to a tender opportunity, the firm is emphasing that potential suppliers must be capable of delivering to very strict deadlines.

Potential technologies must currently have, or ultimately must be capable of securing, Regulation 31 approval (Regulation 33 in Scotland) of the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2016 (as amended) for use in public water supplies.

SSET said it is “currently working at pace with appointed statutory water and sewerage undertakers (WaSCs) with aim of having a market ready solution within 12 months.”

In June the Government separately flagged up the possibility of opening up the UK sewerage network as a possible option for the installation of telecoms networks to deliver nationwide superfast broadband gigabit coverage.

All potential suppliers who tender for SSET contracts must be registered via the firm’s Supplier Registration System which is hosted by Achilles Information Ltd.

Key questions in the RFI suppliers will need to answer include:

summarise your company’s experience, capability and current capacity in the water sector referencing those WaSCs with whom you have a current relationship

• Do you currently manufacture / have accces to a fully developed solution with relevant regulatory approval?
• Do you currently install the fully developed solution with your own teams or via sub-contractor?
• Do you have a record of developing innovative solutions specifically in the water industry?
• Do you have in-house test facilities?

As one of the UK’s leading connectivity providers, SSET offers a wide range of products and integrated solutions including leading edge SD-WAN, Ethernet, Optical and dark fibre services.

If the firm decides to proceed to tender, it expects to publish a contract notice at the end of October.

Click here to access the PIN