Extending our world-class digital infrastructure

There are a number of factors which can affect the speed of your broadband connection. If you are having trouble getting a suitable speed, Ofcom offers practical tips for improving your broadband speed.

If your speed is below 10Mb/s (you can measure it via this broadband speed checker) you may be eligible for grant support under BT’s Universal Service Obligation, which states "every home and business in the UK has the legal right to request a decent, affordable broadband connection".

If your speed is above 10Mb/s but does not meet your needs then:

1. Contact your current provider to discuss whether an upgrade is possible and your available options
2. Check available speeds in your area by entering your postcode into Ofcom’s Mobile and broadband checker, this may show better speeds available with other providers
3. If all options currently available are no better than your current speed then further investment to upgrade the network in your local area is likely needed. In this instance, we suggest registering your interest with providers in your area. (it may also help if you encourage your neighbours to do so as well). Greater Manchester have four main telecomms providers, and you can register your interest with them here:
   • Openreach (which provides infrastructure for a range of service providers including Sky, Talk Talk etc.)
   • Virgin Media
   • City Fibre
   • Hyperoptic

Other digital infrastructure providers in some parts of Greater Manchester include Co-operative Network Infrastructure , EU Networks and Zayo.

• We are working closely with providers to make it as easy and cost effective as possible for them to invest in their networks
• Around 1% of premises in Greater Manchester are not able to access reasonable quality internet speeds (known as superfast broadband) and there is currently no support available in GM through existing Government programmes to address that 1% of premises. This is because the Government’s primary focus (through its gigabit programme which includes voucher support) is on improving connectivity in rural areas
• In 2020, Greater Manchester senior leaders wrote directly to the Government and telecoms industry chiefs to call for further action to support vulnerable customers and help tackle social isolation and feelings of loneliness during the coronavirus outbreak, caps on bills for older and vulnerable landline telephone customers and calling for consistency across the industry.

Investment in digital infrastructure Greater Manchester is accelerating as the region welcomes more providers seeking to take advantage of the growth of the digital sector and our increasingly connected communities.

• Coverage of gigabit (1000Mbps) connectivity in Greater Manchester now averages over 78% -  well ahead of the average in England which is only 66%
• Leading the way in the region, in terms of gigabit coverage is Bolton with 90%, Stockport with 88% and Wigan with 87%
• Investment in full fibre (which provides virtually unlimited speeds) in Greater Manchester has also been continuing at pace
• Bury, Salford and Tameside now all have over 60% full fibre coverage. With Bury increasing from just 4% coverage in 2019 to 66% now and Tameside moving from 6% in 2019 to 62% over the same period.

We are continuing to work with infrastructure providers to make it as easy as possible for the investment to take place at speed.

Data taken from Local Broadband Information from Think Broadband.