IoM Soon To Become 'Broadband Island'

by Jason Gorringe, Tax-News.com, London

12 June 2003

The Isle of Man will soon have 100% broadband coverage after Manx telecom announced it is planning to upgrade the six remaining telephone exchanges with ADSL-enabling equipment making the island potentially one of the most attractive high speed internet locations in Europe.

Manx telecom has already spent around £1 million upgrading the six exchanges at Douglas, Ramsey Castledown, Peel, Port Erin and Marown and is now provisioning funds to enable the remaining facilities at Sulby, Andreas, Laxey, Kirk Michael, and St Johns to transmit ADSL.

Manx Telecom's managing director, Chris Hall commented: "We are pleased to be able to provide the investment to make the Isle of Man the Broadband Island," the Isle of Man Online reported. He added: "It is important for the Island to be seen as being at the forefront of Internet technology and we are now clearly ahead of the UK in this regard."

British Telecom has been the subject of much criticism recently over the slow pace of broadband growth, citing high costs, and has thus far only upgraded exchanges where sufficient demand can be proved or if external funding is available to help meet the cost. In contrast, Manx Telecom seeks no such provisos.

Isle of Man Government director of E-Commerce, Tim Craine, commented that the move will help boost the island's international competitiveness: "Manx Telecom's announcement will further add to the Island's growing reputation as a centre of e-excellence. ADSL-enabling the remaining exchanges will also give businesses an added incentive to look at locations around the Island, as well as Douglas," observed Craine.

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