Fylde Coast’s ITS full fibre network big switch on

Network operator ITS has announced that businesses on the Fylde Coast can now start to access transformational full fibre gigabit business broadband and connectivity services.

Now live in Blackpool’s town centre, a phased roll out will see the ITS full fibre network extend across the entire Fylde Coast from Blackpool Airport to Fleetwood, a total of 23kms, completed during 2020.

This network utilises Cooperative Network Infrastructure (CNI) fibre – Chester-based ITS is a founding member and sits on the board of the CNI – which runs along the tramway.

The scheme, known as Fibre Blackpool, is one of the outcomes of the £3.1m Blackpool Council was awarded as part of the Government’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport’s (DCMS) Local Full Fibre Network Scheme.

Daren Baythorpe, ITS chief executive, said: “Blackpool has a thriving business community including those located in the Enterprise Zones.

“Its tourism industry also means that there are hundreds of hotels, bed and breakfasts and other attractions demanding capable connectivity to run their businesses as well as fulfil the needs of their visitors.

“Our network will utilise the planned full fibre footprint and we will also look to invest and build out more fibre optic cable where businesses demand it.

“As a network operator we will work with our partners to offer choice for customers while also creating healthy competition, allowing them to get the best deals for their needs. We are delighted to be working with the local authorities to fulfil their full fibre vision for the area.”

Access to full fibre connectivity direct to premises hasn’t been available in Blackpool before and access to gigabit-capable full fibre services is expected to put Blackpool firmly on the map in terms of offering some of the fastest connectivity speeds in the UK, which will help boost its plans for economic development.

ITS said where the current planned network doesn’t reach, it will build to demand as it is already doing in the town centre.

In addition, local businesses can access up to £2,500 funding through the Government’s Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme to subsidise the cost of a full fibre connection.