Bolton latest town to get full fibre network

Bolton is set to become the UK’s next ‘gigabit-ready’ area with work beginning on a multi-million pound project to bring full-fibre connectivity to the town.

As part of FibreNation’s commitment to bring the multi-million-pound network to three million homes in the next decade, Bolton is set to become FibreNation’s first North-West town to benefit from its full-fibre network.

FibreNation, which provides local access to the UK’s full fibre network, will begin work this summer.

This will allow homes and businesses access to broadband speeds several times faster than standard connections enabling people to download a HD film in just seven seconds.

Work will expand into several neighbouring areas over the next few years.

The development, which will cover areas across the town, follows a successful rollout in York which is nearing completion and more recently, Harrogate where work began in January 2020.

The rollout in Bolton area, once completed, will provide a network build of gigabit-ready fibre to in excess of 100,000 properties over the next three years.

Paul Crane, Head of Engagement and Rollout at FibreNation, said: “The Greater Manchester area is a very ambitious and thriving area and the Combined Authority set out its plans last year to encourage investment in fibre infrastructure.

“By bringing full fibre to our first North West location, we are bolstering an already brilliant area in which to both live, work and visit. Having high speed full fibre will bring many benefits to the residents and businesses in the area and is a strong next step in achieving our goal of rolling out to three million homes over the next ten years.

“Fibre is the fourth utility we’ve all been waiting for and we’re proud to be at the forefront of its rollout across our first town in the North West, which is also the largest town in the UK.”

Martyn Cox, deputy leader of Bolton Council, said: “This is unquestionably an exciting period for Bolton.  Our ambitious plans for regeneration make Bolton an attractive location for companies to invest in our town and we’re delighted by FibreNation’s significant announcement to invest in our digital infrastructure.”