Full fibre broadband service is expanded across the Fylde

Since the turn of the year engineers have been extending the network – which initially spanned the Fylde Coast under the historic tramlines – now connecting a full fibre route across Freckleton, Warton, Lytham and St Annes, providing speeds of up to 1Gbps.

And as part of a broader digital upgrade, the live Blackpool full fibre network, already covering many parts of Blackpool has now been connected to its West Lancashire neighbours in Preston.

The Faster Britain digital infrastructure is powered by alternative network provider ITS Technology Group.

The company said that to date many businesses across Blackpool and the Fylde Coast have struggled to access speeds over 70Mbps.

However, as part of the go-live, businesses will now have access to the ultrafast connectivity with speeds up to 10Gb available. It is part of the work to enable the government’s promise of 100 per cent Gigabit capability by 2033 across the UK.

Daren Baythorpe, CEO of ITS said: “I am delighted to see the extension of our full fibre footprint across Blackpool and the Fylde.

“Since launching the Blackpool network in 2019 the response from the business community, looking to drive forward with their digital plans, has been phenomenal.

“It’s keeping close to those businesses and their respective groups that has really driven us to bring full fibre to more businesses in the area, working with our regional partners in the process.

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

He said that through its approach to re-using existing infrastructure such as the tramway, Faster Britain builds are deployed faster than the competition by minimising disruption through intrusive, and often prolonged, digs.

It also meant connectivity can be installed in a matter of weeks, rather than months.