Work has started on installing a new ultrafast fibre broadband network that will make it easier for key public services to connect better with residents.
Earlier this year, BT were awarded the contract to install the fibre broadband network across 131 buildings in Plymouth and South West Devon. Hospitals, clinics, doctors’ surgeries, schools, youth centres, libraries and council buildings will all benefit from the full fibre network.
Plymouth City Council together with NHS Devon Clinical Commissioning Group, the University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, West Devon Borough Council and South Hams District Council and Delt Shared Services Ltd secured a £2.2 million grant from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport for the subsidised gigabit-capable connection.
Openreach, BT Group’s network build partner, has begun surveying the sites ready for the installation to begin later this year. Councillor Jon Taylor was with Openreach engineer Bobby Brown recently visiting Southway Surgery, one of the locations that will benefit from the new faster, more reliable broadband network. The new infrastructure will help residents and patients to access healthcare services digitally through online video consultations and health checks.
Councillor Taylor said: “Throughout the COVID pandemic, the internet has been a lifeline for many of us, enabling us to continue working, complete school work, find out information or keep in touch with family and friends. Having access to ultrafast broadband not only helps us all to keep connected, but is vital to enable residents to access more services remotely, from video consultations with GPs to greater use of online teaching for schools.”
Dr Shelagh McCormick, Plymouth GP and chair of NHS Devon Clinical Commissioning Group’s western locality, said: “GP practices in the Plymouth area have been ahead of the game in pioneering the use of online and video consultations in Devon, meaning they are well placed to help local people access vital primary care services in the current COVID-19 outbreak, and beyond. Faster internet connections at hospitals and GP practices in the city will help us develop digital health services that will improve access, make appointments more convenient and reduce waiting times for local patients.”
BT has committed to significant inward investment to the region’s communications network worth over £22 million over the next few years which will help make the region more attractive to business and create new jobs in the area. It includes developing a new 5G network and a commitment to use that technology to bring cheaper broadband to deprived areas of Plymouth. The network will also open to the possibility for a range of new smart functions across the city.
The fibre installation programme will continue into next year. The management and oversight of the installation will be carried out by Delt Shared Services on behalf of the partnership. The team is working on a programme to ensure as little disruption on the roads in and around Plymouth, South Hams and West Devon as possible.