Work starts to bring lightning-fast broadband network to Wigan's public sector sites

Work is under way on the £23m project to deliver more than 2,700km of new fibre optic broadband infrastructure across Greater Manchester.

Once completed, it could see up to 120 public sector sites connected to a full fibre network, with 75km of fibre being installed for access opportunities.

The coronavirus pandemic has proved tricky for workforces across the country, with Wigan Council and Virgin Media Business taking steps to ensure preliminary work has been carried out in line with strict social distancing measures.

There is a site survey to plan the route of the fibre, before Virgin Media Business builds up plans, photographs, routes, material costs and more. Only then can the fibre from the network running along the highway be connected into public buildings.

Coun Nazia Rehman, the council’s cabinet member for resources, finance and transformation, said: “I would like to thank staff who have managed to adapt during these challenging times to ensure the groundwork for this transformational project continued.

“The pandemic has shown us that the need for enhanced digital infrastructure has never been important with businesses across the country relying on high-speed connectivity to keep things running smoothly.

“As a council we have been trying to lead the way and put digital at the heart of everything we do so once the network is complete, we are confident it will be a game changer for businesses and services that are looking to expand and grow.”

Progress has already been made at sites including Leigh Indoors Sports Centre, Leigh Sports Village, Hindley Town Hall, Ashton Leisure Centre and Atherton Town Hall, where surveys have been completed and fibre connected to the buildings.

Across the region, 97 per cent of the network will be provided via existing ducting, meaning work can take place with minimal disruption.

The scheme is funded by the Government’s local full fibre network programme.

This new investment, plus existing local authority funding in digital infrastructure, make it the UK’s largest local full fibre networks programme.

Coun Sean Fielding, Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s lead for digital, employment and skills, said: “It’s fantastic to hear work has started to deliver fibre optic connectivity to more than 1,500 public service sites across the region.

“The programme will put the foundations in place to unlock wide range of digital transformation and smart city projects and supports our ambition to make public services more efficient.”

As part of the deal, Virgin Media Business has committed to social value initiatives supporting issues like homelessness, digital inclusion and apprenticeships for local residents.

This has included initial funding for the Greater Manchester Technology Fund, providing equipment for vulnerable young people at risk of digital exclusion.

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