Preston to get full-fibre network by April

ITS Technology Group is rolling out its gigabit-capacity full-fibre broadband to businesses in Preston in the coming weeks and will connect up the villages and towns between Preston and Blackpool.

The project is part of the alternative network provider’s Faster Britain drive to provide fast internet connections and better digital infrastructure across the country. In Preston, the new full-fibre network will span westwards from the Ribbleton Park area to the Docklands, through to the city centre, from Moor Park through to Deepdale.

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

ITS’ teams have been laying fibre across Preston for the past two months and the network will go live in April, the company said.

To date, many businesses in Preston have struggled to access speeds over 70Mbps, according to the Government’s Fair Internet Report. With the new network, businesses will have access to speeds of up to 1Gbps.

The Government has pledged to support the roll-out of 100% Gigabit internet capability across the country by 2033.

Daren Baythorpe, chief executive of ITS, said: “Our new network in Preston extends our significant presence in West Lancashire.

“As part of our Faster Britain UK network, businesses in Preston will feel the benefit of full fibre. And being part of our programme ensures that Preston exceeds the government’s goals for everyone in the UK to have access to ‘gigabit capable’ connectivity by 2033.

“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.”

The pandemic has “highlighted just how vital a fast internet connection is to enable people to continue to keep in touch”, Baythorpe added.