Salford
building a
new network

Overview

IX Wireless broadband infrastructure is being rolled out across Salford. Our gigabit-ready network will deliver internet speeds of up to 900Mbps for significantly less than major broadband providers, including BT and Virgin.

With 900Mbps, Salford residents can work from home uninterrupted, download entire movies in just 60 seconds and connect multiple devices without losing speed or picture resolution, even during peak times.

IX Wireless uses a combination of fixed lines and our own telegraph pole infrastructure technology to deliver fast and reliable broadband speeds directly to residential and commercial premises.

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, removing the local disruption associated with other network builds. There are no road closures, traffic congestion or noise pollution.

Ending digital exclusion in Salford

Salford is enjoying one of the most exciting periods in its long and proud history. Salford's MediaCityUK is now the headquarters for CBBC and BBC Sport and Salford University is continuing to enhance its reputation as one of the UK's leading schools for journalism, TV and digital media.

However too many Salford residents still don't have the access or skills they need to make the most of their city's exciting opportunities. According to a study by the Good Things Foundation, over 8,000 people in Salford are classed as 'digitally excluded.' The digitally excluded have fewer employment and educational opportunities. They also find it harder to contact GPs, hospitals, housing associations and other essential services.

That’s why we're giving away 20% of our network to Salford’s local authorities, schools and charities. It's part of our 'Internet for everyone’ campaign. The initiative wants to level up communities across the North West by giving local people the chance to get online for free and develop essential digital skills.

Planning considerations

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

Our code power licence is classed as 'Permitted Developments,' 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 we undertake 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.