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.
