April switch-on will boost full fibre coverage for businesses

A Chester telecoms group is driving gigabit capable connectivity for businesses across Preston.

The town’s new ‘Faster Britain’ full fibre network spans west from the Ribbleton Park area to the docklands, through the city centre, from moor Park through to Deepdale.

ITS Technology Group says the system will go live in April, meeting the soaring demand for fast internet connections from the area’s business community.

It also connects Preston to its existing network in Blackpool, providing access for businesses to access the high speed fibre network along the route including Freckleton, Warton, Lytham and Lytham St Annes.

To date many businesses in Preston have struggled to access speeds over 70Mbps (source: Fair Internet Report). As part of the go-live, businesses will have access to speeds of up to 1Gbps.

Through its approach to re-using existing infrastructure, Faster Britain builds are deployed faster by minimising disruption through intrusive, and often prolonged, digs. It also means connectivity can be installed in a matter of weeks, rather than months.

As the Government promises 100% Gigabit capability by 2033 and with its announcement of Project Speed, ITS is playing a key role by building its Faster Britain network across the UK.

ITS chief executive, Daren Baythorpe, said: “I am excited to launch our new network in Preston, extending our significant presence in West Lancashire.

“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.”

He added: “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.”