Creatives get super-fast broadband
CREATIVE industries in the North will be aided by the launch of a super-fast broadband network called the NorthernNet.
The system, which is now up and running, will allow creative and digital businesses to hook up to a 100-megabyte broadband service on a pay-as-you-go basis.
The aim of the £11.6m network is to help firms that are operating in this sector to do business by allowing them to send large files securely at high speed.
Businesses will be able to pay to use the service from their offices or from a ‘media access bureau’ – an existing location linked to the network.
Some 13 sites have been named, including FACT in Liverpool, the Cornerhouse in Manchester and UCLAN’s Media Factory in Preston. A further six will open next year.
As part of the scheme £3.4m has been put into a programme designed to strengthen the sector by encouraging collaboration and innovation.
Most of the money has come from the Northern Way, a 20-year Government strategy to transform the economy of the North of England which is funded by the North’s three regional development agencies. The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) has also contributed some £2.27m.
Stephen Timms, minister for Digital Britain, said: “It’s essential for jobs and growth that businesses in the UK have access to high-speed networks, and I very much welcome this kind of cutting-edge venture.
“Access to this single, high-speed digital network will be a huge boost to creative and digital businesses across the north of England and media access bureaus will ensure that as many as possible can profit from it.”
