Lancashire broadband network IX Wireless has begun the roll-out of Preston’s new ultra-fast internet, with the centre and east of the town first to benefit from the new infrastructure.
Phase 1 of the roll-out will cover approximately 1.5 square miles in the centre of Preston, between Blackpool Road in the north and Tulketh Road in the west, reaching Ring Way and the A6 in the centre of town. In addition, houses on both sides of Ribbleton Lane and New Hall Lane will also enjoy access to the new network.
Workmen will begin installing the network on Great Townley Street and Great Shaw Street, with some houses and businesses in the area able to connect immediately. In total, more than 6,000 premises are set to benefit from Phase 1 of the new wireless broadband by October 2019.
IX Wireless plans to complete the majority of work within the next five months, with its partner 6G Internet responsible for delivering internet services to residents and businesses.
The work is part of plans to make Preston one of the UK’s first ‘gigabit-capable’ towns, meaning residents will soon be able to access internet speeds of more than 1,000 Mbps as standard, increasing to 6,000 Mbps by 2025.
The installation of the IX Wireless network marks the first time ultra-fast speeds will be available to a town without the months of roadworks and disruption associated with laying fibre-optic cable in the ground.
Instead, users will simply be able to install a small receiver on their building which will pick up the broadband signal via radio wave, broadcast at the speed of light by IX Wireless’s transmitters.
Neil Knighton, communications manager for IX Wireless, said: “This is an exciting first step for both IX Wireless and Preston in creating one of the UK’s first truly gigabit-capable towns. We are continuing to work closely with local communities to ensure minimal disruption. If any residents have concerns or questions about work on their street, they can call our helpline on 01254 405 000.”
Residents in Blackpool will be some of the first in the UK to access the next generation of ultrafast broadband, which will be delivered wirelessly and capable of reaching speeds of 6,000 Mbps by 2025.
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Ofcom report the benefits of high-speed internet network
According to a 2018 report by Ofcom, a comprehensive ultrafast network could also mean an additional 1,900 jobs and a £26 million boost to Blackpool’s economy.
The initial roll-out will see 6,800 premises connected to the network over the next four months, with plans to further increase coverage as the network expands.
Fixed wireless network delivers high speed broadband
The new wireless network is being constructed by Lancashire-based company IX Wireless, while the broadband is being delivered to consumers and businesses by internet service provider 6G Internet.
Neil Knighton, communications manager for IX Wireless, said: “The new IX Wireless wireless broadband network will result in Blackpool having some of the fastest internet in the UK.
“As a gigabit capable town, more residents and businesses in Blackpool will be able to take advantage of technology and services that are at the cutting edge of what is possible.
“We are working hard to ensure the new network is rolled out over the next two years and we’re very excited to see the impact this new technology will have for the residents of Blackpool.”
Delivering a sustainable broadband network for Blackpool
Because the new network is delivered by wireless transmitters installed on roof-tops, telecommunication masts, monopoles and street poles, there will be very few road closures or disruptions commonly associated with digging up roads to lay fibre-optic cables. It also means that residents will be able to get ultrafast broadband without needing a telephone line.
And as part of work to ensure everyone can enjoy the benefits of being online, 6G Internet is also donating 20% of its network usage to social causes. This means less well-off residents will be able to access free basic internet, while the local authority, schools and charities can work with 6G to provide digitally excluded children with daily access to high speed unlimited home internet.
6G Internet expanding coverage across the North West
With 6G Internet listed as an approved supplier by the government’s BDUK programme, its expansion in Blackpool comes as part of wider plans to reach four million homes across the UK by 2022.
Significant investment in fixed wireless technology
Phil Walker, director of finance at 6G Internet, said: “Over the last 15 years, billions of pounds have been invested in research and development for wireless broadband technology. NASA uses it to communicate with its Mars rover, Tesla’s cars use it to update and navigate. Now we are using it to make sure people in Blackpool can access the internet faster and cheaper than anywhere else in the UK.”
This is exciting stuff. After a very successful Blackburn launch, we are now rolling out our super-fast broadband network to more towns across the North West.
The expansion is starting in Bolton, Preston and Hyndburn, with plenty more towns and cities in the pipeline.
You might have already read about the new roll-out in a couple of places, but the general upshot is that an additional 15,000 premises will be connected over the next few months alone.
There are a few reasons why we are getting a bit enthusiastic about this:
We know from Ofcom’s own research that a fast broadband network can benefit a town’s local economy to the tune of tens of millions of pounds and thousands of jobs.
The expansion is proof that there really is an appetite for our new generation of wireless broadband technology.
It’s another step towards our ambition of serving 4 million households by 2022.
Work is just beginning in these towns, with fibre-optic cables being installed via telegraph poles to wireless transmitters throughout the neighbourhoods. This can be done without any of the noise, disruption or expense of installing traditional fibre optic broadband technology.
The transmitters will then send super-fast broadband to receivers on each premise via radio wave, starting at 100 Mbps for £21 with nothing to pay upfront for eligible properties.
If you’re interested in seeing what the fuss is about, enter your details here and we’ll let you know once everything’s ready to go.
Residents in Preston and Hyndburn will be some of the first in the UK to access the next generation of ultra-fast broadband, which will be delivered wirelessly and capable of reaching speeds of 6,000 Mbps by 2025.
According to a 2018 report by Ofcom, a comprehensive ultra-fast network could mean more than 3,100 jobs and a £62 million economic boost between the towns.*
The initial roll-out will see 6,000 premises in Preston and 4,000 in Hyndburn connected to the network over the next four months, with plans to further increase coverage as the network expands.
The new wireless network is being constructed by Lancashire-based company IX Wireless, while the broadband is being delivered to consumers and businesses by internet service provider 6G Internet.
Neil Knighton, communications manager for IX Wireless, said: “The new IX Wireless wireless broadband network will result in Preston and Hyndburn having some of the fastest internet in the UK.
“As gigabit capable towns, more residents and businesses will be able to take advantage of technology and services that are at the cutting edge of what is possible.
“We are working hard to ensure the new network is rolled out over the next two years and we’re very excited to see the impact this new technology will have.”
Because the new network is delivered by wireless transmitters installed on roof-tops, telecommunication masts, monopoles and street poles, there will be very few road closures or disruptions commonly associated with digging up roads to lay fibre-optic cables. It also means that residents will be able to get ultra-fast broadband without needing a telephone line.
And as part of work to ensure everyone can enjoy the benefits of being online, 6G Internet is also donating 20% of its network usage to social causes. This means less well-off residents will be able to access free basic internet, while the local authority, schools and charities can work with 6G to provide digitally excluded children with daily access to high speed unlimited home internet.
With 6G Internet listed as an approved supplier by the government’s BDUK programme, its expansion in Preston and Hyndburn comes as part of wider plans to reach four million homes across the UK by 2022.
Phil Walker, director of finance at 6G Internet, said: “Over the last 15 years, billions of pounds have been invested in research and development for wireless broadband technology. NASA uses it to communicate with its Mars rover, Tesla’s cars use it to update and navigate. Now we are using it to make sure people in Preston and Hyndburn can access the internet faster and cheaper than anywhere else in the UK.”
Residents in Bolton will be some of the first in the UK to access the next generation of high speed superfast broadband, which will be delivered wirelessly and capable of reaching speeds of 6,000 Mbps by 2025.
Ofcom Report the benefits of fibre speed internet networks to Boltons economy
According to a 2018 report by Ofcom, a comprehensive high-speed superfast broadband network could mean an additional 3,250 jobs and a £51 million boost to Bolton’s economy.
Fixed wireless network expands through Bolton
The initial roll-out will see 5,000 premises connected to the network over the next four months, with plans to further increase coverage as the network expands.
The new wireless network is being constructed by Lancashire-based company IX Wireless, while the broadband is being delivered to consumers and businesses by internet service provider 6G Internet.
Neil Knighton, communications manager for IX Wireless, said: “The new IX Wireless fixed wireless broadband network will result in Bolton having some of the fastest internet in the UK.
“As a gigabit capable town, more residents and businesses in Bolton will be able to take advantage of technology and services that are at the cutting edge of what is possible.
“We are working hard to ensure the new network is rolled out over the next two years and we’re very excited to see the impact this new technology will have.”
Residents in Bolton won’t need a telephone line to access fibre speed broadband
Because the new network is delivered by wireless transmitters installed on roof-tops, telecommunication masts, monopoles and street poles, there will be very few road closures or disruptions commonly associated with digging up roads to lay fibre-optic cables. It also means that residents will be able to get broadband without needing a telephone line.
And as part of work to ensure everyone can enjoy the benefits of being online, 6G Internet is also donating 20% of its network usage to social causes. This means less well-off residents will be able to access free basic internet, while the local authority, schools and charities can work with 6G to provide digitally excluded children with daily access to high speed unlimited home internet.
With 6G Internet listed as an approved supplier by the government’s BDUK programme, its expansion in Bolton comes as part of wider plans to reach four million homes across the UK by 2022.
Phil Walker, director of finance at 6G Internet, said: “Over the last 15 years, billions of pounds have been invested in research and development for wireless broadband technology. NASA uses it to communicate with its Mars rover, Tesla’s cars use it to update and navigate. Now we are using it to make sure people in Bolton can access the internet faster and cheaper than anywhere else in the UK.”
6G Internet delivering fibre speed broadband in Blackburn
I think that one reason we’ve had such a good reception is the lack of service that a lot of people feel they get from the ‘big’ ISPs.
We’ve heard from residents who had previously bought the fastest, most expensive broadband in their area, yet still didn’t get the advertised speed with any kind of regularity.
Part of this is down to technology and part of it is down to cost. Even the biggest internet service providers are struggling to roll-out ultra-fast broadband with any consistency.
High speed broadband for communities
If you live outside of big cities or in areas that aren’t chock-full of double garages and golf courses, it can easily feel like you’ve been overlooked. But we’re changing things.
What the future holds for high speed internet in Blackburn
We believe Blackburn will become the blueprint for how broadband will be delivered in the future. For the first time, ultra-fast broadband will be available to an entire town for a price that is lower than what most people already pay for their standard internet.
And speaking of blueprints, we are now rolling out the network to other towns, so keep an eye out for news in your area. In the meantime, check if you’re eligible by entering your postcode here.
Gigabit internet is something that you will hear more and more of over the next few years, so we thought it was probably best to explain how it will affect your life.
You’re probably used to your internet speeds increasing gradually as technology improves. Last year, for example, average download speeds increased 28% from 36.2 Mbps to 46.2 Mbps.
Gigabit internet means speeds of 1,000 Mbps or more. That’s an increase of more than 2,000%. It’s not just faster. It’s a genuine game changer.
We’ll get into what that means a bit later, but first let’s cover the basics.
What on earth is a gigabit?
A gigabit is a measurement of the amount of data that is transmitted by your internet, and is the equivalent of 1,000 megabits (or – if we want to break it down even further – a billion ‘bits’). What gigabit internet really means is that your broadband is capable of transmitting a gigabit of data in a single second.
So your speed is actually measured in gigabits per second, which is often shortened by providers to Gbps, or even just Gb.
1 Gb Internet? What’s the point?
I think we’d all agree that the internet 20 years ago was pretty rubbish. Well, the difference between 1 Gb internet and what you’ve got now is about the same. The change will be enormous.
It’s the kind of difference that is difficult to visualise. Just as not many people in the 90s were anticipating the boom in social media, the move into gigabit internet will open up an entirely new realm of possibilities.
This includes the stuff that sci-fi writers have been predicting since they could pick up a pen. From immersive 360 degree virtual reality to interactive robots in-tune with your kitchen appliances.
It’s not just about being able to game or stream 8K Ultra HD tv in every room of the house, it’s about having a genuinely interconnected home – all designed to make your life easier.
Where can I get gigabit internet in the UK?
While the largest providers are not yet capable of delivering gigabit internet in the UK, there are a number of smaller companies like 6G Internet which already have the technology.
There is no national infrastructure for delivering these sorts of speeds, so each company is installing its own network. This means that coverage is very patchy, because smaller companies that use fibre optic cables need to see if there’s enough demand in a specific postcode to justify digging up the roads and installing their cables.
Work is underway to speed up the installation of new fibre optic cables in towns, but this can take several years, millions of pounds and a lot of noise and disruption.
On the other hand, 6G Internet can install its wireless network within a town or city relatively quickly, enabling the vast majority of premises to receive its signal.
This is what’s happening in Blackburn right now, where 38,000 homes and businesses will be able to access gigabit internet within the next 12 months, with speeds rising to 6 Gbps by 2025.
This is just the start of 6G’s plans to reach 4 million homes within three years.
When you’re looking for the best broadband deal, you tend to get bombarded with terminology. Sometimes providers use different terms for the same thing. For example, some ISPs display their speeds as ‘Mb’ and others use ‘Mbps’, which both represent the measurement of megabits per second.
But there are times when you really do have to pay attention to the words, because not all broadband is created equal. So in case you’re ever curious as to what exactly you’re getting, we have produced this handy guide to the differences between superfast, ultrafast and hyperfast broadband connections.
Do you need ultrafast broadband?
The answer depends on how you are going to use your broadband connection. Use the handy checklist below to consider factors that will impact the performance of your internet connection, before you choose which ultrafast broadband package is best for you.
Factors to consider when selecting the broadband speed you will need
How many users do you have?
How many devices will be connected simultaneously?
Computers
Tablets
Smartphone
Games consoles
Internet of things
Cameras for streaming
Security/CCTV
What will each device be used for on the internet?
Browsing
Streaming
Listening
Gaming
Shopping
As an example, if you are e-gaming and using a service like Twitch to stream live gaming, you will need an ultra speed broadband package. You will need to be able to maintain a stable broadband speed whilst other users are using the internet.
Can I get high speed or superfast broadband?
We are rolling out our superfast wireless network. If you live in the North West chances are we are already building our network to reach you!
The broadband speed you can get at home depends on the network infrastructure available to your house. This is specific to your postcode and house number.
We are building our ultrafast high speed broadband network chances are you will be able to get faster speeds in the near future!
What Ofcom says about superfast and ultrafast internet
The law of averages says that if you’re reading this at home or in the office, it probably has access to superfast internet, which Ofcom defines as anything between 30 Mbps and 299 Mbps.
Anything over 300 Mbps is ultrafast broadband
The same Ofcom standards put anything over 300 Mbps into the realm of ultrafast, but the general consensus is that these categories are too broad to really prove useful.
It doesn’t make a huge amount of sense to consider someone with 30 Mbps and another person with 250 Mbps as receiving the same level of internet speed, which is why the industry has now added a few more categories.
Residents and businesses in Thornton Cleveleys, Fleetwood and Bolton are able to benefit for ultrafast 300 Mbps. Check which packages are available in your area. Just add your postcode and details and you will see which broadband packages are available for you to choose.
Superfast vs ultrafast internet
Internet Service Providers generally now categorise superfast broadband as up to around 76 Mbps, as this is the fastest realistic speed that can be delivered by the existing copper cables that connect your premises to the internet exchange.
Anything more than that requires some additional infrastructure, whether steel coaxial cable, fibre optic or (our personal favourite)fixed wireless broadband delivered to a small receiver on the roof.
Both Virgin’s steel coaxial cables and 6G Internet’s fixed wireless broadband can deliver ultrafast broadband speeds starting at 100 Mbps. Ultrafast broadband is now considered to cover anything up to 500 Mbps.
Hyperfast broadband vs gigabit broadband
This is the point at which speeds move into hyperfast, ranging from 500 – 1,000 Mbps. Virgin cannot achieve these speeds as of yet, while 6G Internet’s network in Blackburn is expected to hit 1,000 Mbps within the next 12 months.
Building towards Gigabit Broadband speeds
Otherwise known as gigabit internet, speeds of 1,000 Mbps upwards can be achieved by digging up your road to connect fibre optic cables to your premises, or by connecting 6G Internet’s receiver to your roof. By 2025, our Blackburn network will be capable of delivering 6,000 Mbps, or 6 Gbps.
We are continuing to expand across the UK and aim to serve around 4 million households within the next three years.
You know the drill by now. You search online for the best fibre optic broadband deal and get the same results -the same companies, the same deals, the same sinking feeling.
Like groundhog day but without the light-hearted ending.
The problem is you want the fastest internet possible and you’ve been told that fibre optic is the only way to go.
You might have even checked whether it’s available and seen the huge monthly fees or the long wait until a company has installed fibre in your area.
Get 6G Internet Superfast broadband
Well those aren’t your only options. Because without wanting to sound like a stage-hypnotist, you’re not actually looking for fibre optic broadband at all. You’re looking for high speed superfast internet.
Ofcom defines ultra fast broadband as any speed over 300 mbps
The difference is not just semantics. In numbers, ultrafast is anything over 300 mbps, which requires technology beyond the standard copper cable that connects most homes to their internet. But that doesn’t mean you have to replace one cable with another. If you are in Thornton-Cleveleys, Fleetwood or Bolton you can receive 300 Mbps from 6G Internet, use the link below to check if your address is on net.
Check if you can receive ultrafast broadband from 6G Internet.
Fixed wireless broadband is quick and easy to install
Our fixed wireless broadband is capable of ultrafast speeds, and because installing it doesn’t involve digging up every street in town, it’s much cheaper for us to run compared to fibre optic broadband.
That means two things:
We can bring ultrafast internet to an area much quicker than other companies
We can charge our customers much less for speeds that previously only fibre optic cables could achieve
Ultrafast broadband is coming to Blackburn
It’s still early days, but we are already in the process of making Blackburn one of the first-ever gigabit-capable towns in the UK, meaning residents will soon have access to speeds of 1,000 mbps as standard.
100 Mbps Broadband Blackburn
Speeds are currently capped at 100 mbps for £21, but will soon get faster as we get our network fully established.
If you’re a Blackburn resident you might also be eligible for the government’s Gigabit Voucher scheme, meaning your connection to our network could be completely subsidised.
Blackburn’s new gigabit capable broadband network could boost the local economy by up to £40m and generate almost 2,000 jobs, according to a report by Ofcom.
Fibre speed broadband network could increase employment by nearly 3%
The report, titled The Benefits of Ultrafast Broadband Deployment, concludes that a full-fibre network within a town results in an increase in employment of 2.9%[1] and a boost to local GDP of 1.1%[2].
High speed superfast broadband comes to Blackburn
The roll-out of the IX Wireless broadband network will see 6G Internet able to reach 38,000 Blackburn premises connected over the next 24 months, and will be capable of reaching speeds of 6,000 Mbps by 2025.
Ofcom report highlights the opportunities available with fibre speed broadband
According to the Ofcom report, the new network will help create more small enterprises, with a significant positive impact on Blackburn businesses that rely on ICT skills, such as in the commerce, service and transport sectors.
Super-fast broadband boosts productivity and reduces congestion
The super-fast broadband being delivered in Blackburn will also provide environmental benefits by allowing more people to do their jobs online from home, reducing the number of commuters on the roads.
High speed Broadband Helps Power Smart homes in Blackburn
The rise of smart houses and the Internet of Things means that the network will allow more people to customise their home’s security, surveillance, energy, healthcare and entertainment systems.
Neil Knighton, communications manager for IX Wireless, said: “The new IX Wireless wireless broadband network will result in Blackburn having some of the fastest internet in the UK.
“As a gigabit capable town, more residents and businesses will be able to take advantage of technology and services that are at the cutting edge of what is possible.
Neil Knighton
“We are working hard to ensure the new network is rolled out across Blackburn over the next two years and we’re very excited to see the impact this new technology will have on the town.
“We are continuing to work closely with local communities to ensure minimal disruption. If any residents have concerns or questions about work on their street, they can call our helpline on 01254 405 000.”
How fibre speed fixed wireless networks in Blackburn
Delivered by wireless transmitters installed on roof-tops, telecommunication masts, monopoles and street poles, the new network allows residents to get high speed super-fast broadband without needing a telephone line.
The initial broadband package offered by 6G Internet will be capped at 100 mbps for £21 per month, but speeds will increase as the network becomes more established.
Gigabit Voucher Scheme for communities around Blackburn
In addition, the government’s Gigabit Voucher scheme means eligible residents and businesses can have the cost of installation completely subsidised, meaning they pay no connection fee.
However, should businesses require a faster connection straight away, IX Wireless can also install a physical fibre line at half the market price for immediate access to gigabit speeds.
With 6G Internet listed as an approved supplier by the government’s BDUK programme, its expansion in Blackburn comes as part of wider plans to reach four million homes across the UK by 2022.
[1]Pg 61: In Canada, Singer et al. (2015) investigated the effect of FTTP (i.e. full-fibre) rollout on employment on the basis of the deployment experiences in 39 regions between 2009 and 2014. They estimate that fibre deployment to 100% of a region is associated with an increase in employment of about 2.9% – even if the region already previously benefited from a broadband infrastructure.
[2]Pg 74: One of the very few studies to focus on ultrafast broadband specifically, by the Analysis Group (2015) estimated that Gigabit broadband communities in the US exhibited a per-capita GDP approximately 1.1% higher than the 41 similar communities with little to no availability of Gigabit services.
Blackburn’s gross value added (GVA) total for 2017 was £3.05bn. The ONS says that the difference between GDP and GVA can vary by around 0.2%. This means that even by conservative estimates, an 0.9% increase in Blackburn’s GVA would result in a boost of £27.5m to the economy. A 1.3% increase in the GVA would result in a boost of £39.7m.
