9:26am Monday 22nd March 2010
By Mark Stead
SUPER-FAST internet links could be on the way for residents and businesses in York.
City of York Council is set to strike a deal with a company which aims to explore whether the latest broadband, telephone and TV technology could be installed across the area.
Fibrecity Holdings is already developing the services in Dundee and Bournemouth, and York’s political leaders will next week be asked to approve signing a “memorandum of understanding”, allowing the firm to analyse how its operation could be brought to the city.
If it can be implemented, it could open the door for York to become the first “fibrecity” in the north of England and every home and business being invited to access the internet, phone and television through its set-top boxes at a connection speed of 100Mbps (megabytes per second) – the fastest in the UK – for free.
A report which will go before the council’s executive said: “The multi-million-pound investment to build this super-fast network is to be made entirely by Fibrecity Holdings.
“This connection would also be capable of delivering local services from the council and partner organisations direct to the home or business.
“There is therefore the potential for the council to use the network for a range of services, for example online learning, telecare, communication, consultation and engagement.”
The memorandum – which could be signed at the end of this month – only commits both parties to carrying out a feasibility study, which would take about six months. Building the network is likely to take a further two years.
Coun David Scott, leader of the authority’s Labour group, said: “After the loss of the HSBC data centre, York ran the risk of missing out on high-speed connectivity.
“It is essential that York and its businesses and residents are not left behind. We need to ensure we can compete with other cities in Britain and Europe.
“I welcome this initiative which gives York the potential to compete. We must not waste this opportunity.”
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