CALL TO INVEST IN HIGH SPEED BROADBAND TO INCREASE GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS - 23 April 2009

A regeneration specialist driving change in Walsall fears the UK will fall behind its global competitors unless it embraces and delivers high speed broadband.

Dr Peter Cromar, Chief Executive of Walsall Regeneration Company (WRC), urged the public and private sector to fully realise the economic importance of the next generation digital technology infrastructure that is needed and to act now.

He made his comments at the Next Generation Roadshow hosted by the Birmingham, Coventry and Black Country City Region in Birmingham, and organised by Community Broadband Network, to promote and drive demand for a 21^st century communications platform that will attract inward investment and improve business efficiencies and competitiveness.

Dr Cromar said the development of fibre optic technologies that enabled the transmission of complex information at high speeds and with big bandwidths would open up opportunities and was a chance for the region to lead the way.

He said:”We cannot be complacent, this is not just a technology issue it has huge significance from an economic and prosperity perspective for the region and indeed the UK. We need the key players in the public and private sectors to take it on because it will make a major difference to their performance, particularly in the current economic climate.”

WRC is behind the ambitious £400 million Walsall Gigaport scheme for a dynamic business quarter that would have a next generation broadband platform that would enable companies to do business 500 times faster than ordinary broadband speeds.

Dr Cromar advised delegates that when the public sector invested in major capital projects such as schools and housing it needed to ensure all buildings were future proofed for fibre optic technologies. The cost of providing the ducting now would be minimal when compared with the expense of fitting it retrospectively.

“It will also demonstrate the region’s commitment to that communications technology, underpinning its performance in the future. By showing that intent the global marketplace will look more closely at the city region as a location of choice particularly with finance, health, digital and creative media industries,” he added.

The City Region Board has identified Next Generation Access Broadband as a key part of the communications infrastructure for the City Region and fundamental to its economic and social future.

It has set up a working party to investigate how NGAB should be rolled out across the region with a recognition that it be demand-led.

The network could have direct access to an internet exchange hub that forms part of the proposed Walsall Gigaport. Outline consent for a planning application has been granted for the scheme, which includes 1.5 million sq ft high quality office space, a Business Incubation Centre, live/work space, a hotel and a health and sports facility. At its heart will be the £65 million new Walsall College which opens in September.

ENDS