Bolton
building a
new network

Overview

IX Wireless broadband infrastructure is currently being built in Bolton. The work is part of an exciting £8million investment to install gigabit ready broadband networks across the North West.

The new network will guarantee internet speeds of 900Mbps at significantly lower prices than BT and Virgin.

Fast and affordable internet will provide a range of benefits to Bolton and its residents. It will help attract new homeowners and renters, while current residents will be able to work from home without worrying about slow download speeds and dropped connections.

IX Wireless uses fixed lines and telegraph pole infrastructure technology. Because we're not a dig and cover operation, we can implement our ground-breaking technology faster, cheaper and more effectively than anywhere else in the world.

The installation requires minimal construction or excavation work. There are no road closures, traffic congestion or noise pollution.

Bridging the UK’s digital divide

Like much of the North West, Bolton is on the wrong side of the UK's digital divide.

The Digital Inequalities report by The University of Manchester, found that 41% of people in the North West rarely or never use the internet; that figure is just 35% in the South East.

The report highlighted how increased economic hardships are making it harder for people in the North West to keep up with monthly broadband payments. It means residents in towns like Bolton are at increased risk of being left behind.

Digitally excluded people are more likely to suffer financial difficulties. They also have problems accessing work and educational opportunities, as well as health and other essential services and that's why we'll always give away 20% of our network to local authorities, schools and charities based in and around Bolton. It’s part of our ‘Internet for everyone’ initiative. It helps organisations provide free internet and digital skills training. With access to free broadband, people can keep in touch with friends and family, contact their GP, learn and apply for jobs or financial support.

Planning considerations

Code powers from Ofcom give us permission to construct and maintain electronic communication networks and infrastructure on public highways.

Our code power licence is classed as 'Permitted Developments' under Town and Country Planning legislation, so we don't have to apply for planning permission before beginning a new build.

We voluntarily comply with the 2016 code of practice on the siting of our cabinets and poles. We carefully consider the location of every piece of network infrastructure, ensuring that every project causes minimal disruption to communities and the natural environment.

Our telegraph pole supplier is certified by the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). PEFC is an international, non-profit, non-governmental organisation promoting sustainable forest management through independent third-party certification.

Communication strategy

We maintain an open, transparent and consistent communication strategy with the public, during every stage of a network installation and we encourage members of the community to offer any feedback or suggestions for improvement.

Our communication policy includes:

• keeping the local community informed on upcoming build works with site notices no later than four weeks in advance.
• introduction letters posted no later than three weeks in advance.
• confirmed start date letters posted to local properties no later than ten days in advance.
• local news stories and coverage, announcing the network's arrival and benefits to the community.

We also reach out to local organisations and charities, to discuss how we can support and benefit them.

How the network delivers fibre broadband

Our cabinets are directly linked to the local telephone exchange, which sends fibre to the cabinet.

Our telegraph poles then carry fibre cables overhead from the cabinet to our transmitter (broadcasting mast).

The fibre signal is then sent wirelessly from the transmitter to a small receiver fitted to the property.

The transmitter is cabled directly to the router, guaranteeing full-fibre speeds.