Vodafone has signed a four-year agreement with SP Energy Networks (SPEN), the power distribution and transmission arm of ScottishPower, to support the upgrade of its operational telecom systems across Scotland.

The agreement covers a wide range of services, including modernizing the telecoms used to manage SPEN’s electricity infrastructure, which serves around two million homes and businesses.

The SPEN network spans 19,500 substations, 23,000km (14,290 miles) of overhead lines, and 41,000km (25,475 miles) of underground cables.

As part of the deal, Vodafone will deliver capital projects aimed at improving the resilience and efficiency of SPEN’s network. The work will include routine maintenance, connectivity through fixed, mobile, and satellite links, and operational support to help reduce outages and speed up fault repairs.

“It is not only about future-proofing SPEN’s distribution and transmission networks, but also about using connectivity on The Nation’s Network to develop new capabilities that benefit everyone – consumers, businesses, and our environment. We are looking forward to working with SPEN on this exciting and innovative project,” said Tom Stockwell, head of key accounts at Vodafone UK.

SPEN is currently undertaking a £10.6 billion ($13.64bn) plan to modernize its transmission network to support the shift toward renewable energy. The plan sets out a goal of connecting up to 19GW of new green power to the grid. The telecom improvements are expected to play a crucial role in maintaining asset reliability and enabling more clean energy to connect to the grid.

Paul Garston, head of smart grid operations, SP Energy Networks, said: “We’re delivering the biggest upgrade our grid has ever seen, ensuring our electricity network supports a cleaner and greener future for us all.

“Having the right partners is key to achieving that ambition, so it’s great to welcome Vodafone on board to maintain and modernize our Operational Telecom infrastructure and ensure it continues to deliver for our customers and communities for years to come.”