As a trusted provider of critical connectivity, CSL partnered with Vodafone Business to support Thames Water’s essential digital transformation ahead of the 2027 PSTN switch-off. By implementing a robust dual managed path platform, CSL ensured reliable and secure connectivity for 3,500 telemetry sites, helping the UK’s largest water utility to shift toward proactive maintenance and enhanced data-driven decision-making.

The Challenge

Thames Water, responsible for supplying water and waste services to over 16 million people across London and the Thames Valley, relied heavily on the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) for its telemetry communications. However, with the PSTN being phased out by 2027, Thames Water needed a forward-looking solution to continue monitoring water flow, levels, and other key data in real-time. The existing system often caused delays in data reporting, which affected operational efficiency.

To ensure a seamless transition and minimise disruption, Thames Water sought a connectivity partner with expertise in secure, reliable communications for critical national infrastructure.

CSL’s Solution

CSL worked closely with Vodafone Business to deliver a tailored solution, leveraging our expertise in critical connectivity. Together, we implemented a dual managed path platform using the Vodafone-CSL modem, designed to provide continuous, resilient communications across all telemetry sites. This system allows Thames Water to capture real-time data and ensure immediate transmission to their central control room, vastly improving their operational capabilities.

With over 3,500 sites transformed, the new system delivers:

Instant Data Transmission: Previously, data was logged locally and often delayed until the end of the day. Now, data is transmitted in real-time, giving Thames Water’s engineers immediate insights.

Increased Accuracy and Efficiency: The faster data flow has allowed the Thames Water team to detect issues sooner and move toward a proactive maintenance model, reducing time spent on reactive repairs.

Futureproofed Communications: As the PSTN switch-off approaches, CSL’s resilient solutions ensure Thames Water’s telemetry assets remain operational, secure, and fit for the future.

The Benefits

By moving to this modern, secure platform, Thames Water has seen significant improvements, including: 

Operational Efficiency: Engineers are now able to focus more on critical tasks rather than tracking faults, leading to better use of resources.

Proactive Maintenance: The availability of real-time data means that Thames Water can anticipate issues and perform maintenance before any major disruptions occur, improving service reliability for customers.

Cost Savings: The reduction in downtime and increased efficiency in field operations have led to tangible cost reductions. 

With CSL’s futureproofed critical connectivity solution, Thames Water is now well-equipped to handle the demands of a digital world, ensuring they continue to deliver essential water services efficiently and effectively.

Why CSL?

CSL’s commitment to delivering resilient, secure, and reliable critical connectivity solutions is demonstrated in our work with Thames Water. As specialists in highly regulated markets, we provide the expertise, products, and support needed for mission-critical and life-critical applications. Our partnerships with leading organisations like Vodafone Business allow us to deliver best-in-class solutions tailored to the specific needs of large-scale infrastructure projects.

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