Renowned communications services and solutions company BT, and pioneer of innovative kinetic mesh technology for private wireless networks Rajant, have announced a global framework agreement that will take BT’s global network coverage deeper into the industrial operations of customers.

This agreement will enable organisations to connect and gather data from thousands of devices such as sensors, autonomous vehicles, industrial machinery, high-definition cameras, and voice over IP (VoIP) systems and others to their corporate networks and data centres.

As businesses take advantage of the internet of things (IoT) to deliver efficiency and automation, the importance of a secure, resilient and adaptive network with no single point of failure, especially in industrial operations, is critical, since downtime may be counted in millions of dollars an hour.

"Our agreement with Rajant enables us to further extend the reach of our network deeper into our customers’ operations," said Hubertus von Roenne, vice-president, global industry practices, BT.

"This means that our customers with devices located in production lines, and in remote areas, such as mines, oil rigs and other industrial sites, can bring more of their equipment and devices online and thus leverage the industrial IoT to improve performance and competitive advantage."

"We are delighted to partner with a leading, global network services company such as BT. This agreement expands Rajant’s already broad footprint in industrial applications and will accelerate our leadership position in wireless mesh networking," said Bob Schena, CEO and co-founder of Rajant.

"This is a game-changing partnership for us, and it is a testament to the integrity of our wireless mesh technology and to the people delivering our products and services."

Rajant makes mobile, scalable and highly reliable kinetic wireless mesh network technology, which provides an always-on communications network so critical applications can be accessed in real time.

BT Global Services is a leader in managed networked IT services, supporting leading global multinationals from a variety of sectors, including defence, oil and gas, mining, and manufacturing companies and public sector organisations. These customers require real-time network performance monitoring and reliable IT services.

In addition to its kinetic mesh products and services, Rajant also will provide global training, joint sales and marketing initiatives, and product demonstration in this agreement.