High-speed broadband plan for neglected areas
High-speed internet connections are going to be provided in parts of Newcastle overlooked by mainstream providers.
Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council is looking for a provider to deliver the fibre connection as part of the Newcastle Town Deal.
Businesses, homes and community centres in the Town Deal area will be connected to gigabyte capacity broadband, once complete.
Simon Tagg, Leader of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, said:
Up to 50km of fibre network will be laid in the Newcastle Town Deal area, bringing high-speed broadband to communities, homes and businesses neglected by the mainstream providers.
And we will base the ‘distribution hubs’ at community centres, which will provide free Wi-Fi for those with no or limited access to the internet.
In this day and age businesses, home workers and entrepreneurs need access to fast, reliable internet if we are to take advantage of the opportunities available in a digital world.”
A report before the Council’s Cabinet next week says that while commercial operators will cover many areas, some parts of the town centre and outlying business parks will be overlooked, restricting growth and investment opportunities for smaller businesses.
Providing open access infrastructure will then let commercial providers provide final connections into business parks, keeping costs down and making choosing there more attractive.
Backed by the Newcastle Town Deal Board, basing the ‘distribution hubs’ at community centres will provide opportunities for residents to be online and learn new skills. Management groups there will be encouraged to work with partners, such as Keele University, to make the most of the opportunity.
Cllr Tagg added:
This is the next step in regenerating communities as part of the once in a generation Town Deal investment.
Levelling up isn’t just about buildings it also supporting and providing residents and businesses with the infrastructure they need to improve their day-to-day lives.”