North Lincolnshire businesses are to have access to gigabit-capable broadband speeds within the next few months as Scunthorpe becomes the latest ‘Faster Britain’ full fibre network.
Work by alternative network provider ITS Technology Group to meet the demand for fast internet connections by the local business community is beginning and is due to be completed by mid-March.
The network will run from Scunthorpe Post Office through the town centre and out towards Foxhills Industrial Estate.
By re-using existing infrastructure, Faster Britain builds are deployed quickly and minimise disruption through intrusive and prolonged digs.
This means connectivity can be installed in a matter of weeks, rather than months.
Cllr Rob Waltham leader, North Lincolnshire Council, welcomed the news of the rollout.
He said: “I’m delighted that ITS is investing in a new full fibre network which will support business growth in Scunthorpe.
“There is no doubt that fibre networks are the future of modern economies and this new investment will help the whole of North Lincolnshire in its economic growth.
“This also shows a confidence in North Lincolnshire as a place to invest – a competitive marketplace is a good market place, North Lincolnshire is attracting companies from across the UK and further afield.”
It is hoped that this is the start of a much wider network in the region.
Daren Baythorpe, CEO of ITS, said: “I am excited to develop our Scunthorpe network and as part of our Faster Britain UK network the town will feel the benefits of full fibre.
“Being part of our programme ensures that Scunthorpe exceeds the Government’s goals for everyone in the UK to have access to gigabit-capable connectivity by 2025.
“As the legacy copper-based network becomes obsolete and we move towards its switch off, our mission is to deliver full fibre, gigabit-capable connectivity to where it is needed.
“The pandemic has highlighted just how vital a fast internet connection is to enable people to continue to keep in touch, particularly when circumstances are keeping us apart. Faster Britain is fixing the problem around gigabit capable connectivity which isn’t available to everyone.”
As part of the Faster Britain programme, businesses and residential premises across Scunthorpe will be able to access a huge range of IT, telephony, gigabit-capable broadband and connectivity solutions via ITS’s extensive partner community. You can register your interest on the Faster Britain website.
