Fibre broadband 'crucial for north of England'

Stockton-based Odyssey Systems has called on the government to fund further fibre broadband rollouts across the north of England, pointing to two previous projects as indications of the positive effect this can have on business in the area.

Managing director Mike Odysseas argued that greater connectivity in Teeside could help companies expand and boost the area's economy.

Talking to the Evening Gazette, he suggested that the Urban Broadband Fund investment in Newcastle and the Broadband Delivery UK project in Yorkshire show the desire for high-speed internet access in the north of England.

These schemes "have the potential to become standard bearers for good practice in broadband infrastructure", added Mr Odysseas.

He noted that one will focus on an urban environment and one on a rural one, showing that the potential exists to roll out broadband infrastructure nationwide if the funding is made available.

"The economic benefit of getting this right across the country for the sake of business is powerful medicine for the economy," concluded the managing director.

Internet service provider KC recently highlighted the role its fibre broadband services are having in bringing internet access to Yorkshire.