NEXT GENERATION (FIXED) COMMUNICATION NETWORK

Information and Communications Technology (ICT)

Record date: 31 March 2026

Whole-life cost: Not disclosed
Published schedule: 28/04/2021 – 25/03/2030
NISTA delivery confidence: RED
Senior responsible owner: Julia Beresford

What the project is for

The intent of the Next Generation Communications Network Programme is to evolve the existing service into a single logical consolidated enterprise network capability which is coherently architected. Addresses the current security and resilience concerns and drives greater value for money by transforming the MOD Core Network against agreed acceptance quality criteria to enable the closure of Defence Fixed Telecommunications Service legacy, whilst preparing for the future by procuring suppliers to take-on and continue transforming the enhanced core network with an under-pinning operating model which enables continuous improvement in business as usual. This is critical to Defence operations and maintaining strategic advantage; as the enhanced service is the foundation of the Digital Backbone.

Departmental delivery commentary

Compared to financial year 24/25 Q4, the NISTA/SRO Delivery Confidence Assessment (DCA) rating at 25/26 Q4 decreased to Red. This is primarily due to the following factors, an independent assurance review conducted in March 2026 rated the Programme as red due to the scheduled forecast at time of review reporting completion beyond the allocated funding to the Programme. Baseline reviews by the programme to revaluate and refine the delivery plans were ongoing at the time of the assurance review. An improved schedule has now been developed and will be assessed by the Review Team when they return to reassess progress performance in Q1 26/27 where an improvement to delivery confidence is anticipated.

Schedule

Compared to financial year 24/25-Q4, the programme's end-date at 25/26-Q4 decreased from 11/12/2030 to 30/08/2030. This is primarily due to the following factors. 1. Changes to the Programme approach to two key programmes on the critical path which has matured to remove some dependencies to enable greater concurrency of activity. 2. The programme schedule has matured with clear end states defined and success criteria to monitor the performance of the delivery being developed. 3. The delivery schedule is governed through monthly programme boards, quarterly Programme Boards and quarterly senior Defence reviews.

Cost

Exempt under Section 43 - Commercial interests

Benefits

Compared to financial year 24/25-Q4; the project's Departmental-agreed monetised benefits at 25/26-Q4 remained at £0m