Structured Cabling Installation for VoIP Rollout

VoIP Rollout – Scottish Prison Service

In 2024, F&D Tech Solutions was engaged by the Scottish Prison Service to deliver phase one of a major VoIP infrastructure rollout across 11 operational prisons throughout Scotland. The project required the complete removal of legacy telecom systems and the installation of new structured cabling to every inmate cell, a technically demanding operation carried out within live, high-security environments.

Summary

Services provided

Fibre

Security Clearance

Connectivity

Our team successfully completed infrastructure upgrades across 6,893 inmate cells, working across major institutions including Barlinnie, Perth, Polmont and Low Moss. The scope of works across each site included:

Rip-out of all legacy telecom cabling from inmate cells
Installation of new data cabinets in secure locations
Full containment systems to SPS specifications
Structured Cat6 cabling delivered to every individual cell

This was a logistically complex operation requiring close coordination with SPS officials, prison operations teams and other contractors to ensure safety, minimal disruption and full operational compliance throughout.

The Challenge

Working within live correctional facilities introduced a unique set of technical and operational challenges that demanded careful planning, strict compliance and constant coordination at every stage.

Secure Environment Constraints

All work was carried out under strict supervision with access to inmate areas limited to predefined time windows, requiring our teams to operate with maximum efficiency within tightly controlled daily schedules.

Operational Continuity

With each facility remaining fully operational throughout, our works had to be carefully aligned with prison routines, staff duties and inmate movement, requiring close daily collaboration with SPS teams on site.

Legacy Infrastructure

Before any new installation could begin, outdated telecom cabling systems had to be fully removed, a time-intensive process that often uncovered previously undocumented infrastructure challenges requiring immediate resolution.

Site Variability

Each prison presented a different set of conditions, from newer modular buildings with accessible infrastructure to older Victorian-era blocks with limited cabling routes, requiring site-specific planning and real-time adaptability from our engineering teams.

Our Methodology

Site-by-Site Survey & Planning

Each facility was surveyed in close consultation with SPS estate teams to map cabling routes, identify constraints and build tailored installation plans specific to the layout and conditions of every site.

Secure, Phased Access & Scheduling

Our teams worked in clearly defined zones aligned with daily prison routines, participating in daily briefings and sign-in procedures to ensure full compliance with site security protocols at all times.

Structured Cabling & Containment Installation

All legacy cabling was removed and replaced with certified Cat6 infrastructure, supported by new containment systems and comms cabinets installed to SPS specifications for tamper-resistance and fire safety.

Multi-Site Coordination & Compliance

A centralised project management process was used to monitor progress across all 11 sites, with rotating teams, standardised documentation and full handover packages delivered to SPS at each location.

The Outcome

By the conclusion of phase one, F&D Tech Solutions had successfully delivered full cabling infrastructure upgrades across all 11 Scottish Prison Service sites, covering a total of 6,893 inmate cells. All works were completed safely, within agreed timescales and in strict coordination with prison management teams. Each site received comprehensive handover documentation including cable test results, cabinet layouts, containment drawings and completion certifications. This infrastructure now forms the backbone for the phased deployment of secure VoIP telephony services across the SPS estate.

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What Our Clients Say

“Celestra have been working with FD Tech coming up to a year and they have been very supportive in our delivery of an ongoing network rollout for one of our major clients.

…they have responded professionally and received some excellent feedback from our Client directly… …during a challenging installation phase.

Always on hand to offer advice and to help resolve potential blockers minimising delays on site & achieving an on-time quality installation.

Kelly Kirby

Account Manager, Celestra