THE COUNTY will be more connected than ever before, thanks to a new Virgin Media contract
West Berkshire Council has appointed the firm to deliver new fibre optic infrastructure to schools, doctor’s surgeries and public libraries across the region.
The work, due to be completed by March 2022, will focus on more than 80 locations and impact more than 26,000 school pupils.
It forms part of a £1.7 million project run by the Berkshire Digital Infrastructure Group (DIG), which is made up of the Thames Valley Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership (TVBLEP) and Berkshire’s six local authorities.
Alison Webster, chief executive of TVP, said: “The pandemic has demonstrated that schools and communities need to be equipped with the latest technology; it’s not a nice to have but is vital to our prosperity.
“The rollout of full fibre will not only keep our communities connected during times like this but also future-proof Berkshire’s economy ensuring our capacity to attract and retain cutting edge businesses from across the Digital sector to Life Sciences, and the emerging Film and TV production sector clusters.
“We’re delighted be playing a leading role alongside our partners in connecting Berkshire which has never felt as important as it does right now.”
The programme was founded after the pandemic prompted schools to expand their digital learning programmes, making it harder for students in rural areas to access education.
West Berkshire Council said installing full fibre infrastructure across the county will make digital learning more accessible for pupils.
It also hopes the programme will see schools become “digital community hubs” that can support adult education and re-skilling courses.
Cllr Gerry Clark, cabinet member for transport, infrastructure and digital connectivity, added: “Fast digital connectivity is important to our residents and businesses and supports education and healthcare provision.
“Increasing the availability of these services is a key objective, and I am therefore delighted that through the Digital Infrastructure Group, funding has been secured to enable a number of schools and surgeries within the Royal Borough to benefit from new fast fibre connections.”
The project is funded by TVPBEL through the Government’s Getting Building Fund.
The first 15 sites are due to be connected from January 2022, with further sites added later in the year.
It will offer schools, surgeries and libraries the potential to reach connection speeds of more than 1,000 megabits per second (Mbps).
