Manchester
has a widespread cable network for business and private use. British
Telecom, Norweb Communication, NTL, Cable and Wireless Communications
(formerly Mercury and Nynex) and Energis (National Grid) are amongst
the major investors in an area which has full Integrated Services
Digital Network (ISDN) and optical fibre cable networks.
British
Telecom recently completed a £575 million investment in 300
digital exchanges covering 3,000,000 lines, which places the
Manchester area two years ahead of other UK cities outside London
for its access to digital services. ADSL Broadband Internet
connections are available throughout most parts of the City
and Metropolitan Boroughs.
Manchester
is also the home of the first UK public access computer communications
and information system - the Manchester Host, developed by Manchester
City Council and backed by European Union funding.
Poptel who
run the Host is a full Internet service provider and offers
access via PC to electronic mail, fax transmission, telexes
and commercial on-line services, including databases.
It has a
wide range of users, including businesses, public sector bodies,
local authorities, colleges and community organisations and
is the base for the Manchester Community Information Network
(MCIN) and an extensive Manchester web site (www.manchester.gov.uk).
Manchester
City Council along with Manchester Metropolitan University set
up the Manchester Telematics and Teleworking Partnership MTTP
which is involved in the running of a number of projects.
Manchester
is also a founder member of Telecities. Manchester City Council
has online connection to its Friendship cities, St Petersburg,
Chemnitz (Germany), Cordoba.
See also:
Manchester
& Lancashire Telecomms Companies
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