ITS has announced that it has been awarded the contract to deliver a dark fibre network for Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council.
The initiative aims to enhance digital connectivity for underserved businesses and residents. This forms part of the £23 million allocated from the Newcastle Town Deal grant to provide high-speed, reliable internet connections, creating new opportunities, and fostering local economic growth.
Simon Tagg, leader of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, commented, “This initiative is a potential game-changer for our community by encouraging growth and investment for smaller businesses and providing residents with the digital infrastructure they need to improve their day-to-day lives.
“By delivering in areas overlooked by commercial providers we are ensuring communities are not left behind and ITS’s expertise in building and managing full fibre networks will be instrumental in achieving the council’s vision of a digitally inclusive borough.”
Daren Baythorpe, CEO, ITS (pictured), added, “We are thrilled to be awarded this contract and to partner with Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council. Public-private partnerships like this are crucial for bridging the digital divide and ensuring that all communities have access to the benefits of full fibre connectivity.
“This project will not only enhance the digital landscape of Newcastle-under-Lyme but also drive economic growth and improve the quality of life for its residents.”
The new network aims to transform digital access for communities and businesses in wards across the Town Fund Area within the Borough including Bradwell, Clayton, Crackley and Red Street, Cross Heath, Chesterton, Knutton, May Bank, Silverddale, Keele, Westbury Park, Westlands, and Wolstanton.
The fibre network will span up to 50km, connecting 15 key council sites which includes local authority buildings and CCTV cameras. It will also connect 13 priority community centres, to underpin the creation of digital hubs, offering residents opportunities to boost their digital skills and access online services.