The Telford and Wrekin Council in Shropshire (England) and broadband ISP Virgin Media O2 Business have agreed a new “multimillion-pound” partnership to connect 200 public sector sites (schools, council, libraries etc.) to the operator’s “multi-gigabit … full fibre” network, which could also help to extend residential services.
At present Virgin Media’s fixed broadband network already covers most premises in the area, although it’s stated that the new cabling being laid under this project could also establish the “foundations” for a further 12,000 local premises to access ultrafast fibre in the future (i.e. those not currently connected to their fixed network). We suspect this is referencing the areas outside the more urban part of Telford and Newport.
However, the new infrastructure will also enable additional wholesale connectivity partnerships, which could potentially allow other providers (ISPs and alternative networks) to deliver rival Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) services in Telford and Wrekin, creating even more choice for residents.
Mike Smith, Director of Large Enterprise and Public Sector at VMO2B, said:
“We’re so proud to be working with the council to boost its digital infrastructure and help enable more local people to embrace the potential that connectivity brings. Today, digital connectivity isn’t a ‘nice-to-have’ – it’s an essential. We’re looking forward to seeing this project make huge strides to tackle digital exclusion in Telford and Wrekin, giving people access to new opportunities, educational resources and keeping them connected when they need it.”
Councillor Rae Evans, Cabinet Member for Finance, Governance and Customer Service, added:
“This investment will see improved connectivity at council buildings, public offices, schools and libraries across the borough, making it easier for us to do business as a council, and easier for people to access our services online.
At the heart of this partnership is a mission to support digitally excluded residents to get online more easily, and build the skills and confidence needed to do so, through funding and volunteering support, as well as offering apprenticeships and work placements.”
The partnership will also see VMO2B support local skills and training via various programmes and additional investment, as well as providing in-kind connectivity to the local voluntary, community and social enterprise sectors (i.e. up to 10 community organisations will get ultrafast business broadband through this).
Finally, the operator’s own local employees will also deliver at least 100 hours of volunteering time to support digitally excluded residents in improving their online skills. Sadly, no details were revealed about how much investment was being put toward the build itself.
Oooooh Phil WILL be excited about this – Maybe, possibly 😀
No! I hate Virgin Media. Worse ISP and overpriced. Telford & Wrekin Council are always thinking Virgin Media are best network for Telford which it isn’t true. Telford are the worse congestion VM and too many downtimes.
Telford & Wrekin Council should DUMP this VM and go for Exascale Businesses & Residential for true full fibre with symmetrical speed.
Virgin Media are a waste of time and money and still NOT TRUE FIBRE as they use HFC. I will never sign up VM not a chance in a million years.
I look forward to Exascale soon cos the CEO of Exascale has metion me ‘We’re planning the whole of Telford, Walsall, Dudley, Stafford and South Staffordshire within the next 3-5 years.
We’re trying our best, it requires a lot of capital.’
Oh okay – that told me 😉
I agree with Phil I’m from Telford also Virgin media are a rip off .
Thanks Bent glad someone agree with me!
All the Telford and wrekin sites are already connected to full fibre through the national grid for learning project deployed years ago. Is this good use of tax payers money?
I’m just using a unlimited data only from ee paying £34.20 as I already got a line 10 percent discount and my unlimited sim calls text ect is 25 a month