THE next steps towards creating an ultrafast fibre network across Merseyside have been revealed by Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram.

In a bid to make the Liverpool City Region the most digitally connected area in the country, preparation for the 220km fibre network is well underway with two supplier events being held in the coming weeks.

The events, on Tuesday, July 30 in London and Thursday, August 1 in Liverpool, will give fibre companies, network operators, contractors and investors a chance to find out how they can get involved in the design, deployment and management of the network.

Speaking about the project, Mayor Rotheram said: “Connectivity made us the gateway to the first Industrial Revolution and can put us at the forefront of the fourth Industrial Revolution.

“Devolution gives us the opportunity to transform our city region by making use of our key assets.

"The transatlantic internet cables connecting the UK, North America and the rest of the world land in Sefton, and we have one of the most powerful supercomputers in the country – the Hartree supercomputer – in Halton.

"By linking those two assets with an ultrafast fibre network that connects all six of our local authorities, and links into projects like the Knowledge Quarter, we can supercharge our economy, creating inclusive growth that benefits everyone.

“We are going to make this digital revolution a reality and I’d like to encourage industry experts and investors to join us. It’s not just about fibre broadband; it’s about digital in all of its forms.

“Transformational projects such as Digital Connectivity and our Mersey Tidal Power project will enhance our reputation internationally and deliver real benefits for local people, businesses and our communities.”

This major new core fibre network will consist of a series of digital ‘loops’, which will stimulate local fibre networks enabling businesses, public service providers and people at home to access next generation connectivity.

Chairman of the Liverpool City Region LEP Asif Hamid said: “Creating a fit for purpose digital infrastructure for the Liverpool City Region is incredibly important for business – faster, more reliable connectivity will not only support the businesses we have operating in the city region, but will also attract major companies and industries here, thereby creating more job opportunities for our residents.

"It is vital that we get the right suppliers to ensure we are at the forefront of the digital revolution and I would encourage companies to attend these two events.”

It is believed that the connectivity will benefit the region by: attracting major new companies to the area; improving health services through instant and high resolution scanning; boosting the growing digital and creative sector; enabling developments in education services and enhancing public services.

Cllr David Baines, portfolio holder for Digital Connectivity and Inclusion for the Combined Authority, said: “This is a transformational project that aims to firmly place our city region at the forefront of digital connectivity.

"High speed, reliable and resilient connectivity together with a future proofed network infrastructure will bring huge opportunities and a wide range of benefits to those living and working in all six of our boroughs.”

Companies interested in attending the engagement events can register their interest at

www.the-chest.org.uk

or by emailing tender@liverpoolcityregion-ca.gov.uk