Client | Network Rail
Sector | Rail Infrastructure Telecoms
Location | Sussex Route
ADComms delivered a £2.4m critical power renewal programme for Network Rail across the Sussex Fixed Telecommunications Network (FTN), replacing life-expired DC power infrastructure at REB, TEH and IFR sites.
Delivered under the PACE framework, the project included the renewal of the Three Bridges FTN Core Node, a key telecommunications hub supporting FTN, GSM-R and operational telephony services.
ADComms provided a full turnkey solution, including:
Detailed design and engineering assurance
Replacement of DCPSUs, rectifiers and battery systems
Installation of a resilient 16kW Eltek Flatpack 2 DC power system with N+1 redundancy
Implementation of temporary power systems to support live service migration
Alarm monitoring integration and testing
Commissioning, handover and asset documentation
The primary challenge was replacing critical power infrastructure without disrupting live railway telecommunications services. With FTN, GSM-R and safety-critical telephony systems remaining operational throughout the works, ADComms designed and deployed a temporary resilient power solution to support migration activities.
A further challenge involved the integration of alarms on an ageing MXOne telephony switch supporting more than 1,500 operational telephone circuits. ADComms developed and implemented a bespoke methodology that allowed works to proceed without interrupting service.
£2.4m Network Rail critical power renewal programme
Resilient 16kW DCPSU installed at Three Bridges FTN Core Node
Temporary power solution enabling live migration with no service disruption
Protection of more than 1,500 safety-critical telephone circuits
Full compliance with Network Rail engineering and assurance requirements
Zero lost-time incidents and zero operational disruption
The project successfully modernised critical telecoms power infrastructure while maintaining uninterrupted service across FTN, GSM-R and operational telephony networks. Through innovative engineering, robust assurance and careful planning, ADComms delivered the renewals with zero downtime.
The quality of delivery was recognised by Network Rail with a Route to Gold Award, with the Three Bridges Core Node achieving the highest assessment score in the Southern Region during 2025.
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