Birmingham council aims to deploy £125m city-wide wireless broadband network

Birmingham City Council is seeking a partner to help it deploy a city-wide wireless network that aims to improve digital connectivity for citizens. The contract will be worth up to £125m, according to an online tender.

The notice said: "Birmingham City Council wishes to take positive action towards improving digital connectivity across Birmingham, and wants to take a lead in finding innovative solutions to encourage its citizens to be able to benefit from the digital revolution."

Birmingham City Council hopes that because it has access to 230 tower blocks and 95,000 lamp posts in the city, a provider should be able to deliver and develop innovative commercial models for wireless connectivity.

The chosen partner will need to be able to provide the council with a wholesale, open access digital wireless network that will provide citizens with access to broadband speeds that are faster than 3G.

It is aiming to implement a "ubiquitous, high speed, innovative service" that tackles digital exclusion in the area. Interested parties have until 17:00 on the 16th December to notify the council.

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