ITS ‘Faster Britain’ expansion will light up Preston with gigabit capable full fibre network

• Preston businesses set to become some of the best connected in the UK
• Full fibre gigabit capable network set to go live in Preston at the end of April
• New network also connects the villages and towns between Preston and Blackpool and adds to the extensive network in Blackpool

Businesses in Preston will soon be able to take advantage of gigabit capable connectivity thanks to the town’s new ‘Faster Britain’ full fibre network.

The network – which will go live in April – takes gigabit capable connectivity across the area, with the new full fibre network spanning West from the Ribbleton Park area to the Docklands, through the city centre, from Moor Park through to Deepdale.

The Faster Britain digital infrastructure is powered by alternative network provider ITS Technology Group and is 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 than the competition 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.

“I am excited to launch our new network in Preston, extending 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.

“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. Faster Britain is fixing the problem around gigabit capable connectivity which isn’t available to everyone.

“We’re excited to be playing such an integral role in the digital aspirations of businesses across West Lancashire”.

Daren Baythorpe, CEO of ITS

As part of the Faster Britain programme, businesses premises across Preston are able to access a huge range of IT, telephony, gigabit capable broadband and connectivity solutions via ITS’ extensive partner community and are being encouraged to register their interest at www.fasterbritain.com/preston/ or register to be a partner by clicking here