Member Article

Northern broadband schemes should inspire best practice

Odyssey Systems, the North East business to business telecommunications provider, is calling for two major broadband boosts to be used as beacons of excellence.

The Stockton-based firm believes that major investment in broadband infrastructure in Tyneside and North Yorkshire should showcase the very best in modern communications. Odyssey’s team also believe that authorities in the Tees Valley should take note of the schemes and push for similar opportunities to be created in the area.

Greater connectivity can help businesses in the Tees Valley become increasingly competitive, especially with areas such as Middlesbrough taking steps to keep digital businesses in the borough through schemes such as Middlehaven and the Boho Zone.

The Urban Broadband Fund investment in super-connected broadband infrastructure, expected to be worth up to £6 million, matched by Newcastle City Council, was announced this month as part of the Newcastle City Deal. It was followed soon after by news that North Yorkshire would be the first county to receive funding from the Broadband Delivery UK programme to install fibre broadband across its area. This would be backed by European Regional Development Fund money and a £10 million contribution from BT.

Mike Odysseas, Managing Director of Odyssey Systems, said: “Here we have two announcements in the North of England which have the potential to become standard bearers for good practice in broadband infrastructure. Interestingly, one will develop a very urban landscape, while the other marks a strong commitment to rural areas, so there is a lot to be learned from a successful roll-out of both programmes.

“The UK has a long way to go to catch up with other developed countries when it comes to high quality broadband, so those tasked with delivering these projects in Newcastle and North Yorkshire carry a lot of weight on their shoulders if they are to pave the way for closing that gap. They should see themselves as inspiring excellence across the country and authorities across the Tees Valley should be watching and being inspired to follow suit.

“In the 21stCentury, many businesses rely more heavily on broadband connectivity than they do on traditional infrastructure networks, such as transport. Therefore, the economic benefit of getting this right across the country for the sake of business is powerful medicine for the economy and other authorities should be taking note of what Newcastle and North Yorkshire have done, with a view to replicating it in their areas.”

Odyssey Systems, based at Preston Farm, employs more than 30 telecommunications professionals, serving more than 1,300 business clients across the country.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Mike Odysseas .