Fibre broadband provider Kcom unveils PSN plans

Fibre optic broadband provider Kcom has revealed plans to go head to head with the likes of BT and Virgin Media for public service network (PSN) contracts.

Speaking to the Yorkshire Post, the company predicted as many as 70 regional PSNs could be needed over the next three years as councils, police forces, health trusts and other public bodies share their infrastructure in a bid to save money.

Paul Simpson, chief financial officer at Kcom - which has already won contracts with Dorset and Staffordshire county councils - said PSNs represent a "very big opportunity" for the telecoms firm.

Head of public sector at Kcom Afshin Attari added: "As a result of winning PSNs it gives us the ability to increase our market share. We've got a lot of heritage in public sector so we've got the capability."

In August, Kcom rival Virgin Media Business announced it had received full PSN accreditation following rigorous testing and security audits across its entire network.