City of London modernises network with Roc Technologies
Roc Technologies has entered a strategic partnership with the City of London Corporation to deliver a city-wide networking connectivity solution. The new system includes the first UK public sector enterprise-wide deployment of Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), as well as AI-driven wireless services and high-availability internet connectivity across over 200 locations managed by the Corporation.
Network scale
The rollout is set to cover all City of London Corporation venues and functions. These include the City of London Police, Barbican Centre, schools, parks, libraries, as well as historic and protected sites such as Epping Forest, Hampstead Heath and Mansion House. The wide-reaching deployment is designed to deliver robust and resilient connectivity to employees, officials, residents and visitors across the City's footprint.
Technology update
Roc Technologies' solution leverages cloud and AI-driven technologies in its network services. The initiative marks the first public sector deployment at this scale of an enterprise SASE platform in the UK, combining network performance with enhanced user security. The rollout also aims to introduce automation at the network edge, seek cost efficiencies, and modernise the Corporation's digital infrastructure.
Key suppliers involved in the project include HPE, which is providing its AI-Ops platform via Juniper MIST, Palo Alto Networks with its Prisma SASE product, and connectivity from Vorboss's managed central London fibre network. The move consolidates the number of suppliers from eleven to one, with Roc overseeing all operational aspects.
Operational security
The service is structured with a focus on secure data handling and operational resilience. Traffic and device controls are managed in the cloud, overseen by Roc's Networks and Security Operations Centre. Data loss prevention, zero trust networking access, and alignment to UK policing standards are stated as integral parts of the deployment. The company notes that all vendor data centre operations are based in the UK, ensuring sensitive data does not leave the country.
Additional operational savings are anticipated. By replacing on-premises hardware, the Corporation expects to reduce costs by GBP £20,000 per month, as well as cut energy consumption and supply chain complexity. The flexible, cloud-based service model is expected to allow for rapid scaling of City services and improved quality for end users.
Service impact
Staff and visitors are expected to benefit from consistent network experiences across all City of London operational sites. The deployment's aim is to support modern working practices, enable secure remote and field access, and assist in public safety efforts. For example, the network will support 4K body-worn camera footage for police officers operating in the City and more remote locations.
"The City of London sees footfall of millions of people a day, so it's vital that a consistent network experience is delivered across all locations and to all users, including visitors, residents and businesses regardless of the services they need to access. We're delighted to be the sole primary supplier for this exciting project, drawing on a range of solutions from our expert partners to deliver a truly future-proof network architecture in the heart of the capital," said Chelsea Chamberlin, Chief Technology Officer, Roc Technologies
Digital transformation
The Corporation stated the partnership forms part of its "One City" mandate, seeking to unify network services under a single banner for efficiency and future-readiness. The initiative is positioned as contributing to the City's business infrastructure and public service operations.
"Our ambition is to be at the forefront of digital innovation for the benefit of Londoners. Partnering with Roc enables us to modernise our network, enhance connectivity across all our organisations under one banner and ensure we can deliver innovative, flexible services wherever and whenever they are needed," said Ghauri.
