FAQs: Fibre broadband and Isle of Man National Broadband Plan
Manx Telecom Wholesale team is currently well underway in their rollout of fibre broadband around the Isle of Man. The plan is to deliver fibre to 99% of properties on Island by 2024. This is a significant infrastructure project requiring investment from Manx Telecom of over £50million to reach almost 75% of properties. The Department for Enterprise, as part of their National Broadband Plan tender, has appointed Manx Telecom their preferred partner to deliver fibre broadband to the remaining ~25% of properties that would not otherwise be commercially viable to reach.
To provide an idea of the scale of this project, there are an estimated 41,000 properties on the island, 99% of which have to be passed with new fibre infrastructure within 4 years. As part of the fibre deployment, we will be required to complete civil works which could involve the installation of new duct work, poles, and potential short-term road closures.
This is a critically important project for the Isle of Man and one we are hugely proud to be delivering. We understand there will be questions around how areas are prioritised and planned, and how the actual fibre installation process is handled for your specific property. As a result, we have created the following questions and answers based on those being asked on social media channels and direct to our contact centre. We’ve also created a number of videos and information resources to explain and assist with the transition to a fibre broadband infrastructure.