The project will be delivered through a consortium, including ITS, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA) and NGE, a construction company. In the project’s initial phase, ITS will create a resilient fibre backhaul network, connecting three transatlantic cables and six local authority areas across the Liverpool City Region. The company will then install the digital infrastructure in carriageways, footpaths and cycle ways over the next two years.
ITS explained that it will use its ‘dig once’ approach, laying ducts while existing roadworks take place, and by re-using existing infrastructure. This minimises disruption to road and public transport users.
Daren Baythorpe, CEO of ITS Technology Group, explained, “This programme will have a transformational effect for everyone in the region and we are excited to be playing a central role in its delivery. As shareholder partners in the Joint Venture we are proud to be contributing significantly to the tremendous growth in the digital economy of the region, and supporting national targets for full fibre access by 2033.
“The awarding of the contract further confirms ITS’s place as a leading next generation network provider in the UK focused on helping businesses develop in the digital age. ITS with its expert team has a track record in deploying and managing gigabit capable full fibre networks, that help to drive innovation and productivity.”
The £30m investment is expected to generate £105m for the local economy over 15 years, creating and attracting new jobs, industries, investment and businesses to the region. It is estimated that 100 per cent full fibre coverage across the Liverpool City Region, building on the backhaul network, could be worth £1 billion.
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of Liverpool City Region, added, “Our region was at the heart of the first industrial revolution, and I believe that this project can help us be at the forefront of the fourth industrial revolution, creating thousands of jobs and ultimately generating £1bn for the local economy.
“As we have done so many times before, this is our region seizing the initiative, leading the way and crafting what I hope will be a lucrative and successful new future that everybody in our region can benefit from.”
The project supports the national targets to deliver gigabit-capable speeds and fast, reliable broadband across the UK by 2033.