Blackpool invests in broadband infrastructure
BLACKPOOL is to invest more than £3m in its own high-speed broadband network that will connect almost 100 schools, libraries, leisure centres, business incubator sites and public buildings across the town.
The local authority has agreed a £3.2m five-year managed services contract to Lancaster-based The Networking People, which will allow it to make significant cost savings to its internet budget, freeing up funding for other services.
The Network People will design and build the council-owned wide area network (WAN) to reduce reliance on revenue budgets and ensure that everyone using the network will receive a robust, resilient service.
Rather than renting expensive internet services, TNP will provide the council with its own, bespoke, flexible network.
Schools will be offered the best-price connectivity available, as well as migration to the latest cloud-based IT and software services, including Google Apps and Microsoft 365. Web-based phone systems will also be installed, virtually eliminating schools’ phone bills.
Coun Chris Maughan, cabinet member for technology, says: “This partnership is allowing the council to make significant savings at a time when the cost of telecoms is going up.
“It is also providing the town with resilient and secure connectivity that is completely under our control to grow and adapt as we do. It will modernise how the council delivers services to the public.”
Chris Wade, director, TNP, comments: “As a regional, independent business, not only are we able to offer the council asset ownership of the network, but we can provide cost savings by integrating existing infrastructure and dramatically reduce operating costs.
“Unlike some big internet service providers, we have developed a great relationship with the IT team at the council. We understand that vital services will operate across this network – from schools to public health services – and our resilient solution provides the highest levels of connectivity to ensure these are maintained 24/7.”
