Coventry-based Marconi is to supply a German electricity company with an optical fibre communications network capable of repairing itself within a fraction of a second of a break occurring.

The network, being built for Bayernwerk Netkom by Marconi Services, will link over 70 sites in Germany and will be capable of handling voice and data.

It will also carry the core control systems that operates Bayernwek Netkom’s electricity supply system.

Marconi will build the network on the SDH (Synchronous Digital Hierarchy) technology it has already supplied the German firm.

SDH is based on rings of optical fibre. If the optical fibre snaps, information can be quickly re-directed around the ring, ensuring any calls or data transmission are not broken. 

Thomas Heit, managing director of Beyrnwerk Netkom, said:

"By working with a company like Marconi, which has always played for the long term we have been able to protect our investment, while ensuring a smooth and painless upgrade when the time was right."

The contract is the latest success for Marconi in Germany following a £3 million order from German radio and TV company Südwestrundfunk.

The company has also recently won orders from T-Mobil, tesion, VIAG and Fibernet.