Saddleworth Council Calls for Better Broadband

Councillors call on Oldham Council to deliver a better broadband infrastructure for Saddleworth.

09:17 12 October 2020

Two Saddleworth Councillors have asked Oldham Council to take every measure needed to deliver better broadband connection across the district. Councillors Garth Harkness and Sam Al-Hamdani said the Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for high-quality optic broadband not just to businesses but also residential properties. 

 

The two councillors have asked the Oldham Council to review the current contract for broadband infrastructure as part of the Authority’s plans around digital exclusion brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic. 

 

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.

 

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.”