Network operator ITS, has announced that businesses on the Fylde Coast can now start to access transformational full fibre gigabit business broadband and connectivity services.
Now live in Blackpool’s town centre, a phased roll out will see the ITS Full Fibre network extend across the entire Fylde Coast from Blackpool Airport to Fleetwood, a total of 23kms, completed during 2020.
This network utilises Cooperative Network Infrastructure (CNI) fibre – ITS is a founding member and sits on the board of the CNI – which runs along the tramway. The scheme known as Fibre Blackpool, is one of the outcomes of the £3.1m Blackpool Council was awarded as part of the government’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport’s (DCMS) Local Full Fibre Network Scheme.
Daren Baythorpe, CEO of ITS said: “Blackpool has a thriving business community including those located in the Enterprise Zones. Its tourism industry also means that there are hundreds of hotels, bed and breakfasts and other attractions demanding capable connectivity to run their businesses as well as fulfil the needs of their visitors.
“Our network will utilise the planned full fibre footprint and we will also look to invest and build out more fibre optic cable where businesses demand it. As a network operator, we will work with our partners to offer choice for customers while also creating healthy competition; allowing them to get the best deals for their needs. We are delighted to be working with the local authorities to fulfil their full fibre vision for the area.”
A Blackpool Council spokesperson said: “This is a truly amazing development. Access to full fibre connectivity direct to premises simply hasn’t been available in Blackpool before. We are delighted that the Fibre Blackpool project has started working with residents and businesses in the local area to future proof their homes and businesses so they can take advantage of full fibre, gigabit internet capability.
“Access to gigabit capable full fibre services puts Blackpool hugely on the map in terms of offering among the fastest connectivity speeds in the whole of the UK, which will further boost our ambitious economic development agenda and our drive to attract more inward investment, business growth, new business, and more jobs into Blackpool.”
Businesses are being encouraged to register their interest with ITS to find out more about the broadband and connectivity packages available to them through ITS’ partner network here.
Where the current planned network doesn’t reach, ITS will build to demand as it is already doing in the town centre. In addition, local businesses can access up to £2.5k funding through the government’s Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme to subsidise the cost of a full fibre connection.