ISP Metronet UK (not the one owned by PlusNet) is planning to build a £3 million wireless broadband network to help blanket Greater Manchester with faster internet access. The project will use the providers existing network of 40 rooftop transmitters to deploy its radio-linked service.

The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NRDA) claims that Metronet already has 100% network coverage within the M60 area and as much as 90% network coverage elsewhere in Greater Manchester. The ISP can apparently provide similar services in Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool and Dublin.


Some 20% of Metronet's turnover already comes from Security cameras that have been deployed via the same Greater Manchester radio transmitter network. Metronet traditionally uses Gigabit radio and microwave technologies to deploy "Last Mile" solutions for businesses. By contrast its new service aims to "connect people to the internet", suggesting the potential for a residential element.