Two Manchester-based tech companies have teamed up to give local businesses an 'Internet boost'.
Local ISP Telcom Networks is working with The Loop, Manchester's dedicated fibre network (part of Gamma), to deliver faster Internet speeds, more than three hundred times faster than standard broadband, initially to 15 prominent buildings in Manchester city centre, claims the firm.
The work, which has already started, will be completed later this year.
The 10 year deal could see up to 40 buildings from the Northern Quarter to Spinningfields and First Street to Ancoats connected by the end of this year.
Sean Anstee, Greater Manchester's Lead for Skills and Employment, said: "This fits well with our digital strategy. It will support our ambitions to be a leading tech city, creating jobs, attracting and retaining talent and enabling small businesses, particularly those in the creative sector to have affordable and accessible top grade internet. This will allow them to stay ahead of the competition, flourish and grow."
Ashley Griffiths, Managing Director of The Loop, said: "This initiative which takes fibre directly to the building at a new low cost has the potential to be truly transformational for businesses in these buildings."
Shaun Gibson, CEO of Telcom Networks, added: "We believe the Internet should be offered as a utility, and this project is another step towards eliminating the digital divide once and for all in this region. What we're doing here is just the start."