CONVERGENT Telecom, the North Yorkshire mobile telecommunications service provider, has signed a two-year deal to provide a network for international construction and engineering company Costain.

The mobile phone coverage includes new handsets and associated hardware, bulk airtime, and a high-tech innovation - full mobile integration with the company's existing BT FeatureNet system.

The deal is Convergent Telecom's largest since the firm was contracted to supply mobile telecommunications to employees of Microsoft UK. Costain is one of the UK's largest contractors and a major force in the international construction market.

Martin Orrells, supply chain manager for Costain, said: "Our industry depends on effective communication and many of our people are on sites rather than in offices, so mobile technology is essential."

Lloyd Conway, of Convergent Telecom, said "The innovative aspect of this arrangement is the extent to which we have worked to integrate the mobile communications VPN (Virtual Private Network) with the company's existing landline network.

"Our package will result in call spend savings for Costain on both landline and mobile calls."