Broadband provider BT has signed a multi-million pound five-year contract to provide a new fibre network to the Co-op Group and upgrade the IT infrastructure in all of its 2,800 stores.
The Group says the move will enable faster till transactions and in-store wifi, helping to provide a better in-store experience.
The enhanced network is based on BT’s multi-protocol layer switching (MPLS) networking platform.
Cheryl Marshall, retail chief information officer at the Group, said: “Our partnership with BT is core to enabling our transformation programme in retail and the wider Co-op.
“It provides the foundation blocks that future proof our investments and will enable a digital future for our customers and members.”
Colm O’Neill, managing director of major business and public sector at BT, added: “Shoppers increasingly expect retailers to introduce a digital experience to their physical stores to speed up, simplify and enhance their in-store experience.
“The retail technologies and services that the Co-op is looking to introduce to bring about this change need to be underpinned by a high-speed, flexible and reliable network.
“We’re delighted to have been chosen as the Co-op’s network partner as it begins its digital transformation journey”.
