THE CHALLENGE

The challenge for LFFN in Blackpool was to increase tourism, industry and commerce, and to create increased resilience and stronger communities with access to expanded connectivity. That involved using a TNP enabled comprehensive dark fibre network spanning the town centre and the 20km coastal tramway as part of an “Asset Reuse” LFFN funding application.

TNP’S SOLUTION

In partnership with Blackpool Council, TNP successfully designed, implemented and provide ongoing management of a network consisting of dark fibre, telephone exchange assets and managed fibre/copper circuits delivering connectivity to 150 locations across the town.

Additional points-of-presence allowed for “meet me” locations for third party providers such as ISPs and telecoms carriers, giving access to backhaul facilities and point to point high capacity fibre. To maximise capacity on the Council’s original digital infrastructure and new LFFN, TNP employed wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) allowing flexibility and capacity above that offered by a basic and passive fibre optic technology.

An innovative co-operative model adopted by the council opened up the network for investment by telecoms operators and Internet service providers (ISPs) to create and share additional capacity. Open access infrastructure designed and built by TNP facilitated easy use of the digital hybrid network by other ISPs and telco companies which are members of the Co-operative Network. The fully integrated hybrid network that now exists in Blackpool is ready for further expansion.

THE BENEFITS

Priority upgrades to public sector assets are also now achievable through LFFN. In addition to the Enterprise Centres, upgrades are taking place for the Council-operated Airport, leisure assets including the Tower and Winter Gardens, the Illuminations management and control, as well as the CCTV camera network and ‘smart’ tramstops.

Access to high-capacity digital infrastructure in conference venues and across the resort is likely to attract more and higher value conferences - a major contributor to the Blackpool economy. It compliments investments in new hotel/apartment construction, leisure attractions and improved transportation, and supports smarter transport and car parking to improve the guest experience.