Norfolk County Council has awarded a £20m framework agreement to enhance network services in council buildings, schools and libraries.

Updata Infrastructure, part of Capita IT Enterprise Services has been appointed for four years, according to an announcement.

The first contract under the framework, worth £10m, will see the firm install and manage wide area network (WAN) and local area network (LAN), unified communications and mobile communications across the council. Updata will offer at least ten apprenticeships during the course of the contract, plus two undergraduate work placements each year.

Al Collier, Norfolk County Council’s head of procurement, said: “This contract will reduce costs and enhance IT services for public sector staff and for schools, allowing them to work flexibly and deliver the best possible service to people in Norfolk.

“Other public sector organisations may also take advantage of the framework, further benefitting people across the region, and I am delighted that Updata will be offering apprenticeships to local people.”

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The deal will also see an upgraded multi-channel contact centre. Council staff will also benefit from an “anywhere SIM” which will enable employees to switch between three major networks and get the strongest signal.

Elsewhere, the framework will deliver improved broadband to schools, along with an enhanced internet filtering service.

Updata will also showcase the latest educational technology in a “classroom of the future”, allowing headteachers to experience how new learning tools can help to deliver lessons.