Fibre optic broadband project slammed by IT firm

An initiative that aims to increase access to fibre optic broadband in Cheshire has been criticised by a local computing company.

The project, which is a partnership between BT and four local councils, aims to bring superfast connections to 96 per cent of homes in the region by the end of 2016.

Named Connecting Cheshire, the scheme has invested £1.5 million in a service that will teach businesses in the area how best to utilise the superfast connection.

However, ADM Computing - which has been based in the Moss Lane Area for 29 years - has blasted Connecting Cheshire for creating a body to carry out a service that existing IT firms could provide themselves.

Owner David Thursby told the Knutsford Guardian: "Like many IT companies in the country, we already have the skills to do what the organisation is set up to do, we just don't have proper superfast broadband infrastructure to back up our hard-won business."
 
He went on to say that the £1.5 million investment would be better used to try to up the level of coverage from 96 to 100 per cent - giving all homes and businesses access to next-generation broadband technology.

However, Cheshire East Council has since stressed that the aim of the project is to work with local IT firms as opposed to competing with them.

Councillor David Brown, Deputy Leader of Cheshire East Council and Cabinet member for strategic communities, said: “Our officers have contacted Mr Thursby, explaining the business support programme and objectives and he has been offered the opportunity to join the programme as a specialist to help deliver support and expertise to other businesses.

“It is important to bear in mind that the Connecting Cheshire Superfast Business service will work with – and not in competition with – local specialists and is actively looking at developing a network of local specialist to deliver funded support to help drive growth in the local economy and retain expertise."