The partnership between Gateshead Council and Alcatel-Lucent is a practical example of the steps that need to be taken to equip the UK to compete and lead in the global digital economy – the objective at the heart of the Digital Britain report. This world-class high speed fibre access network represents an innovative way to deliver the applications and content required by 21st century businesses. The advantages of the high-speed network will also be made available to households in the immediate area.
Building this high speed network was made possible by an innovative partnership between Gateshead Council and Alcatel-Lucent, creating a joint venture company in 2008 called Gateshead Technology Innovation Ltd (G-ti), which tackled funding challenges head on.
Leader of Gateshead Council, Councillor Mick Henry, said: “Gateshead Council is delighted to be at the forefront of broadband technology and leading the way by being the first local authority to go live with a project like this… We are confident G-ti, as a world-class communications network, will help local business perform on a global level and encourage them to embrace new technologies that will keep them ahead of their game.”