Northern Quarter startups set for ultrafast broadband boost

Small companies in Manchester’s Northern Quarter could be in line for a significant connectivity boost after Virgin Media Business said it plans to provide thousands of the area’s startups with ultrafast broadband.

The package has been designed specifically for the startups located in the Northern Quarter’s multi-tenanted buildings, according to a report in Tech City News. It is estimated that around 3,000 businesses will have access to the service.

Startups operating from the 300 buildings in which Virgin Media Business is providing broadband will also be able to submit an application for a subsidy from the government’s SuperConnected Cities project.

Tech City News reported that Peter Kelly, Virgin Media Business’ managing director, said: “A central part of any technology hub is reliable, secure high-speed internet.

“This can make the difference between thriving and merely surviving for small and medium-sized businesses so I’m thrilled we’re able to bring Manchester’s vibrant business community our latest package with the fastest broadband speeds.”

Manchester City Council’s leader, Sir Richard Leese, called fast, reliable broadband the ‘backbone’ of the city’s digital economy.

He commented: “This announcement represents a bespoke ultra-fast broadband package for small and medium enterprises and will help support some of Manchester’s most digitally minded and creative businesses.”

Earlier this year, Chancellor George Osborne revealed that the government plans to spend £4m in establishing a Northern Quarter-based startup hub.