Thus has signed a contract with CfBT Education Trust to supply a fully managed Internet Protocol Virtual Private Network (IPVPN), broadband access and a range of remote connection solutions.

Thus will connect 30 of the charity's key sites and provide network access via broadband at a further 150 locations over its next-generation network.

Leading charity CfBT Education Trust provides education for public benefit in the UK and overseas and employs more than 2,500 staff around the world who support educational reform, teach, advise, research and train, designing and delivering education services.

The Thus solution will provide a next generation network with quality of service allowing reliable delivery of audio, video and other key network services. This will lead to a reduction in staff travel and internal communication costs.

The communication network solution from THUS will run voice and data, internet access and IP telephony for 1800 users over a Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) IPVPN. In addition, the network offers remote working solutions, such as Mobile, Blackberry and 3G Datacards and the scalability required to future-proof the network and provide a platform for the further expansion of remote and flexible working.

Phil Male, Chief Operating Officer at Thus, said: "Increasingly, charities are looking at all aspects of their operations and are asking how they can utilise their resources more effectively. A reliable, flexible and cost-effective network which enables staff to work from home, flexibly and remotely, enables staff to focus on the their core roles and deliver more effectively on the organisation's charitable aims."