A cross-government local partnership has chosen ntl:Telewest Business to run a £90m shared services network. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Partnership (HIOW) network hopes the deal will transform public service delivery. The landmark project will connect more than 1,000 sites, including the partnership's 15 local authorities, the fire service, schools, colleges and voluntary organisations. Under the contract, ntl:Telewest Business will use its fibre optic network to deliver shared services, facilitate mobile and flexible working, drive efficiencies and help organisations deliver more effective services to the community. The new network will replace the current Hampshire Public Services Network (HPSN). It will support traffic for multiple communities on one network, while keeping their respective traffic separate. Each partner organisation will be able to choose the bandwidth and bundle of ICT services they need to meet their specific communication requirements. Jos Creese, Hampshire CC's head of IT said: ‘Increased bandwidth to schools will improve education opportunities, faster connections to emergency and social services will mean quicker and more effective response to those in need, and shared networks will keep costs down, delivering more for less.'