Manchester powers up ‘hyper-city’ status as first buildings go live with gigabit services

Greater Manchester residents are celebrating the arrival of gigabit broadband, the first installation of its kind to be made available in the region.

Hyperoptic, the UK's leading provider of Fibre-to-the-Home broadband, has switched on services in two developments in Greater Manchester. The 'switch-on', in Sovereign Point and Imperial Point (Salford Quays) provides residents with access to the UK's fastest available consumer internet speeds of 1 Gigabit-per-second (1,000Mbps).

The technology introduces gigabit speeds to Manchester and marks a new phase in future-proofing the city. Manchester City Council has welcomed Hyperoptic's investment into the area after the broadband firm unveiled its 'hyper-cities' plan earlier this year.[i]

With around a further forty developments currently undergoing installation, Hyperoptic is committed to extending its footprint across Greater Manchester and ensuring residents in flats and apartment blocks across the city have access to the latest in fibre connectivity.

Manchester city councillor, Kevin Peel, who has long campaigned to improve broadband speeds and connectivity in Manchester, said: "Manchester and Salford have long been on the map for their creative digital scene, but dire broadband speeds available to many have slowed progress.

"Thanks in part to our campaign to raise awareness of this problem, thousands of residents are now able to gain access to the fastest available internet speeds through Hyperoptic's industry-leading service.

"We will continue to work with providers like Hyperoptic, property developers, building managers and residents themselves to rollout out genuine hyper-fast fibre optic broadband to as many residents as possible to bring Manchester and the wider city region up to speed with the
broadband it deserves."

Hyperoptic offers a quantum leap in speeds at which users access the internet, ensuring consistent connection and speed regardless of the time of day, devices connected or who else is also online.

Focusing on bringing a competitive service to developments of flats based on demand, the internet service provider liaises with building owners and managers and delivers its award-winning fibre infrastructure once enough residents register interest.

Simon Wilson from The Emerson Group, which manages the newly announced live buildings, said: "This area is constantly developing and there is an obligation to offer residents real technological advances to match their lifestyle demands.

"The new hyper-fast connectivity is already making a practical difference to users' online lives and adding to the value of the property for residents and owners alike."

Hyperoptic provides the UK's fastest consumer broadband speeds with its award-winning, Fibre-to-the-Home gigabit service. It provides competitively priced broadband and phone deals, with prices starting at a low £12.50 per month for true 20Meg broadband (based on taking phone service with a £12.50 line rental, including free UK evening and weekend calls). During December, Hyperoptic is offering three months free on any of its broadband and phone packages. To find out more, check availability in your building or to register, visit www.hyperoptic.com.

[i] http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/manchester-city-centre-residents-superfast-7966066