Gigabit connectivity set for Preston

The Faster Britain full fibre network, which delivers gigabit-speed connectivity, will go live in Preston from April.

Communications specialist ITS installed the technology on the Fylde Coast late last year and has been utilising infrastructure to speed up delivery and reduce disruption.

The new network will range west from the Ribbleton Park area to the Docklands, through the city centre, from Moor Park through to Deepdale, and will connect directly to the Blackpool network.

The government's Faster Britain programme is aiming for 100% gigabit capability by 2033.

Daren Baythorpe, CEO of ITS, said: "For the last two years we have been working with councils, local businesses, groups and associations to understand which areas will benefit from full fibre network investment, and I’m delighted we will be switching on Preston in April.

"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."

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