110+ Businesses in Nottingham UK to Get Gigabit Broadband

The ITS Technology Group (its.) and UK ISP Zen Systems have created a new partnership in order to launch a “gigabit-capable” fibre optic network across a large business park in Nottingham, which is reusing some existing infrastructure in order to cover over 110 local businesses.

The new network is part of ITS’ Faster Britain programme, which is intended to help support the UK Government’s wider pledge to “deliver 100% gigabit capability nationwide by 2025“, although in recent months the official language on that target appears to have been watered down.. again (here).

By reusing existing infrastructure, “full fibre” (FTTP, Dark Fibre etc.) networks established via the Faster Britain programme can be deployed faster than the competition by minimising disruption of intrusive, and often prolonged, digs. “A Faster Britain-enabled area provides access to ultrafast connectivity, supporting cloud-enabled future proof technologies and can be installed in just a matter of weeks,” said the operator.

The latest area to benefit will be the Glaisdale Business Park in Bilborough (see below).

Work began on the installation over the summer, and the new network is due for completion on 30th September with full-fibre connectivity solutions ready for 110+ business to take advantage of from October 2020.

James Howard-Dobson, Director of Zen Systems, said:

“Now that the country is beginning to adapt to the new normal, we are working hard to help businesses in this area thrive and emerge stronger. Our partnership with ITS offers local businesses the chance to upgrade their bandwidth, enhance their business and get the edge over their competitors.

Research from the Department of Culture Media and Sport has shown that businesses see a 12X return on investment for every £1 invested in superfast networks. With the launch of this new project, we expect to see firms benefitting similarly from investments in their connectivity, positioning themselves for growth that will put Nottingham businesses on the map.”

Daren Baythorpe, CEO of ITS, said:

“We’re delighted to be working with Zen Systems in bringing gigabit-capable full-fibre connectivity to businesses on the Glaisdale Business Park. Connectivity has been vital for companies to continue to operate during the lockdown and will play a critical role in the country’s economic recovery as we navigate the new normal post-Covid.

As a business, we focus on building networks that reuse existing ducts where possible, making them quick to build, clean, green and sustainable. We are committed to continuing to play our role in the government’s ambitions and now supporting Project Speed, rolling out full fibre networks as part of our Faster Britain programme, working with our partner community to deliver connectivity and broadband where it is needed most.”

The new location adds to the current Faster Britain footprint of 23 gigabit-capable networks across the UK (mostly full fibre) and no doubt complements ITS’ recent funding boost of £45m from Aviva Investors, which will see them working to cover 200,000 homes and businesses over the next few years (here).