TNT plays its part in British digital TV revolution

In its first move into the broadcast sector, TNT has won a major three-year contract in the UKworth £750,000 a year. The express operator will provide vital components to transmission services

Arqiva, the UK’s leading provider of transmission services for TV and radio broadcasters, hastasked the instant response arm of TNT – TNT Sameday – to deliver vital components and parts toengineers in double-quick time, increasing to 40 minutes outside of normal working hours.
Arqiva’s customers include all independent TV and most commercial radio stations in the UK,plus a wide range of satellite channel providers.

Arqiva has also been named as preferred supplier for the new BBC digital terrestrial networks.This is part of the Digital Switch Over programme that will see the UK’s entire terrestrialtelevision infrastructure – which took 30 years to build – replaced and realigned for digitalbroadcasting within the next six years.

TNT Sameday will play an essential supporting role in the ambitious programme offering a fullrange of services, but with a heavy emphasis on TNT’s ‘Storapart’ offering. Other services providedwill include Standard Sameday, an Internal Spares Network and a Specialist TransportationService.

Rob Leek, General Manager TNT Sameday explains: “Over and above the fact that we clearly offeredan all-round high quality end-to-end solution, we organised physical proof of our abilities throughsite visits, instant management of inventory through our ‘Vision’ system and local site knowledge –all of which, combined to make a very strong case for TNT Sameday.”

Wayne Somerfield, Central Repair & Stores Manager at Arqiva says: “Our procurement andlogistics department has worked with TNT through a rigorous tender process to ensure that bestvalue for money could be achieved, as well as the best possible fit of services for Arqiva’srequirements. We are confident that the high level of service TNT can deliver will prove to be ofgreat benefit to Arqiva.”

The contract will be fully operational at the beginning of July.