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GMCA to boost fibre optic connectivity offering
Greater Manchester is partnering with Virgin Media Business to deliver fibre optic connectivity to more than 1,500 public service sites in Bury, Bolton, Oldham, Rochdale, Stockport, Trafford and Wigan.
Having appointed Virgin Media Business to deliver up to 2,700km of new fibre optic broadband infrastructure across the region, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority has said that its local authorities will simplify and align regulations across the boroughs, making it easier for telecoms companies to invest in the region.
As well as the boost to more than 1,500 public service sites, the £23.8 million Local Full Fibre Networks Programme will also see 180 public sites in Salford and Manchester get their connectivity upgraded and a further 36 public sites will be connected through the innovative Tameside Cooperative.
This new investment, plus existing local authority investments in digital infrastructure, make this the UK’s largest Local Full Fibre Networks Programme and will underpin a wide range of digital transformation and smart city projects.
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester said: “This is a huge achievement for Greater Manchester’s public sector and really demonstrates the value of collaboration. Full Fibre will supercharge our digital capacity and help our public sector sites to continue delivering the best possible services to residents across our city-region.
“We are also minimising the costs for all providers to invest in Greater Manchester through our Full Fibre Prospectus. We are committed to making it as easy as possible for all to providers to invest in digital connections that benefit our businesses and communities. As well as revolutionising our public services, it will give a huge boost to Greater Manchester’s towns and cities, cementing our position as one of the leading digital city-regions in Europe.”
The Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s Digital Blueprint for Greater Manchester launched in February and set the bold ambition to be a world-class digital city-region.
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