Client: Vodafone
Challenge
Vodafone was nearing the completion of its National Grid Energis Network upgrade and required the removal of the redundant OpTel network, consisting of Marconi C-MUX & SMA equipment, across 300+ high-voltage sites in the UK. This included power stations, substations, and central locations, where strict safety, compliance, and environmental regulations had to be met.
The project required full transparency and documentation, ensuring all removals, waste transfers, and data security measures were meticulously tracked. Vodafone needed a single point of contact to manage the end-to-end service while ensuring minimal disruption to ongoing operations.
Solutions
PICS Telecom provided a turnkey decommissioning solution, working closely with Vodafone and National Grid teams to ensure the safe and efficient removal of all equipment. Highly trained personnel, certified to operate in high-voltage environments, were deployed across the project. A team of certified engineers and operatives, trained in BESC:AME, NSI30 , Energy & Utility Skills Register (EUSR) to ensure full compliance with National Grid’s safety standards & allow access to high-voltage substations & secure locations were engaged.
Each site was verified as traffic, alarm, and circuit-free, after which the equipment was powered down, dismantled, and removed, following strict compliance procedures. All recovered assets were transported using Tier 2 waste carrier licensed vehicles, ensuring full traceability and compliance.
PICS captured serial-level asset details, securely wiped EEPROMs, and provided certified data destruction reports. The equipment was processed in PICS’ AATF-certified recycling facility, ensuring responsible disposal in alignment with Vodafone’s zero-to-landfill policy. A real-time tracking system (PAMS) was used to provide Vodafone with full visibility over the project’s progress.
Results
- Operational efficiency: Minimized downtime and seamless coordination with Vodafone & National Grid. 148 sites decommissioned to date, and 75 sites cleared over 188 man-days (Jan-Sep 2017).
- Alignment with sustainability goals & compliance: All non-resalable equipment was processed through PICS’ AATF-certified recycling facility, supporting Vodafone’s zero-to-landfill commitment.
- E2E asset management and reporting: The client had full visibility through PICS’ PAMS online portal, with real-time tracking & certification access. This ensured complete transparency, compliance, & an efficient, auditable process.
Conclusion
By transforming a complex, high-voltage decommissioning challenge into a streamlined, sustainable solution, PICS Telecom successfully enabled Vodafone to remove outdated infrastructure while maximizing asset recovery and ensuring full compliance with safety and environmental standards.