Newcastle businesses could benefit from superfast broadband network

Newcastle could soon benefit from a new superfast fibre broadband network that would bring world-leading connectivity speeds to businesses in the city centre.

Edinburgh-based fibre provider Commsworld has proposed introducing the superfast, full-fibre infrastructure for businesses and organisations in the NE1 postcode area, providing access to “unprecedented” connection speeds of up to one gigabit per second.

It’s hoped that this new digital infrastructure will deliver an economic boost to the city centre by allowing firms to expand their own networks, attract top talent and stimulate investment and growth.

Commsworld has delivered similar projects in Edinburgh and Glasgow, where businesses have access to connection speeds of up to one gigabit per second and the capability to dial up to 10 gigabits per second for larger events — that’s 450 times the UK average bandwidth.

Bruce Strang, managing director at Commsworld, commented: “We’re always looking for new ways to improve networks for businesses across the UK.

“Therefore we’re greatly excited to be working with NE1 Ltd to run information sessions to brief businesses on the new connectivity potential that awaits public and private sector clients in Newcastle.

“We plan to start work in Newcastle as soon we can and we want customers to be up and running on the network within the next 12 months.

“An important part of what we’re doing in Newcastle is working with organisations like NE1 Ltd to map out the best route for infrastructure which will benefit the business community in the city.”

The Scottish firm has said that local businesses will have the chance to drive the development by pledging support for the demand-led infrastructure project — and the more businesses that voice no-obligation support for the plan, the quicker it will be put in place.

Briefing sessions, supported by Newcastle BID company NE1 Ltd, will be held on December 3 at 8am and 3.30pm to give businesses the chance to learn more about the network and to pledge their support for the project.

Chief executive of NE1 Ltd, Adrian Waddell, added: “For Newcastle to be a truly smart city we need to significantly expand and upgrade our digital infrastructure.

“This is as important as transport infrastructure and can only be achieved with new fibre optic cabling into every business premises across the city.

“We will be encouraging our business members to attend these briefing sessions. We must future proof our city’s digital infrastructure to allow existing businesses to grow and new ones to locate here, confident that Newcastle’s systems are suitable and have the capacity for the 21st century.”