A history of the use of internal combustion engine driven generating sets in the UK telecommunications network 1900-2000

This paper gives an overview of the use of internal combustion engine driven generating sets providing power in the UK telecommunications network operated by the General Post Office (GPO), Post Office Telecommunications (POT) and British Telecom (BT) over the last one hundred years. The use of both fixed and mobile plant is included for both prime power and standby purposes. Town gas, petrol and compression ignition prime movers are also covered. The telecommunications services requiring power are identified, together with the dates when particular items first entered service.