Council urged to deliver a better broadband infrastructure for Saddleworth

Councillor Sam Al-Hamdani

Saddleworth Councillors Garth Harkness and Sam Al-Hamdani are calling on Oldham Council to make improvements to their plans for better broadband across the district.

With the substantial changes in working patterns brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, this has emphasised the need to deliver high-quality fibre optic broadband to homes across the area.

The two councillors have written to the Council to ask if they are reviewing the current contract for broadband infrastructure, and in particular, to develop new infrastructure across Saddleworth, where the current system seems least able to cope.

Councillor Al-Hamdani also challenged GMCA at a meeting to ensure that the programme was reviewed as part of the Authority’s plans around digital exclusion as part of their Living with Covid plan.

Councillor Harkness said: “With so many online meetings for so many people, it has really brought home how much of an issue this is across Saddleworth.

"We need to be building a stable, secure, high-speed internet across the whole area – which makes it easier for domestic users to stay connected, and which can be the backbone of Saddleworth’s economy going forward.

The Greater Manchester Combined Authorities awarded a £24 million contract to Virgin Media just before the pandemic hit.

A co-operative model – which has been successful in delivering low-cost access for businesses elsewhere – would create a long-term infrastructure that could benefit public services and businesses.

Councillor Al-Hamdani said: “Local businesses are struggling and under threat.

"We need to do everything we can to support them.

"We need to ensure that employees and businesses who work remotely have the broadband infrastructure they need to do that well.

"And if more people work from home, it can deliver a knock-on boost to local high street shops – if people aren’t commuting to work, they are more likely to make use of the local stores.

"It’s a win for the local business all round.”

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