TORONTO – After announcing massive job cuts last week, Allstream started this week on a high note, after being awarded a seven year, multi-million dollar contract by the federal government.
After what it described as a “rigorous qualifying process”, Allstream was selected as one of two suppliers that will work to consolidate, modernize and streamline the government's existing 50 wide area networks into a single network service for data and Internet access. The project will span 43 federal government departments and agencies including the RCMP, National Defence, Canada Revenue Agency and Environment Canada.
The company was awarded an initial 1,000 circuits representing a little over 20% of the total circuits covered by this project. Although not fully determined, the total value of the contract is expected to exceed $100M, will last through 2022, and could extend to 2025. Implementation planning and preparation is well underway and the first circuits will be deployed later this year.
"Allstream's IP network is ready to handle the needs of customers with the most demanding network requirements," said president Michael Strople, in Monday’s announcement. "We are well-known for our expertise, professionalism and commitment to Canadian business and our network security, advanced infrastructure and reliable network make us a logical choice. We are especially pleased that the Government of Canada trusts us to handle even more of their data networking."
