January, 2010

Residents of the Oxford Road area of Manchester will have access to super-fast 100Mbps broadband after Geo announced plans to install a next-generation fibre cable network in the city.

Geo said it had been appointed by Corridor Manchester, the body that encourages economic investment in the central Manchester area, and Manchester Digital Development Agency (MDDA).

When complete, service providers will be able to 'lease' the cables from Geo ensuring residents will be able to purchase internet, tv and telephone services from a number of different providers.

Jackie Potter, chief executive of Corridor Manchester, said: "The installation of the new fibre optic cables will create a new infrastructure that will not only deliver much faster broadband speeds but through the open access network allow organisations, businesses and even individuals develop and test their own ideas for uses of the new technology without being held back by current limitations."

Chris Smedley, chief executive, Geo, added: "Geo is delighted to be working with Corridor Manchester and the MDDA to deliver this important infrastructure".

Once the roll-out is complete is complete, it is expected the fibre next work will be extended to cover the East Manchester area as well.

Geo said the installation would begin this spring and would take around 12 months to complete.