A new broadband network which will see thousands of Blackburn premises benefit from cheap and fast broadband has begun.

Delivered by wireless transmitters installed on roof-tops, telecommunication masts, monopoles and street poles, the new network allows residents to get ultra-fast broadband without needing a telephone line.

Blackburn’s new gigabit capable broadband network could also boost the local economy by up to £40m and generate almost 2,000 jobs, according to a report by Ofcom.

The report, titled The Benefits of Ultra-fast Broadband Deployment, concludes that a full-fibre (ultra-fast) network within a town results in an increase in employment of 2.9% and a boost to local GDP of 1.1%.

According to the Ofcom report, the new network will help create more small enterprises, with a significant positive impact on Blackburn businesses that rely on ICT skills, such as in the commerce, service and transport sectors.

Neil Knighton, communications manager for Internexus, said: “The new Internexus wireless broadband network will result in Blackburn having some of the fastest internet in the UK.

“As a gigabit capable town, more residents and businesses will be able to take advantage of technology and services that are at the cutting edge of what is possible.

“We are working hard to ensure the new network is rolled out across Blackburn over the next two years and we’re very excited to see the impact this new technology will have on the town.

The roll-out of the Internexus broadband network will see 38,000 Blackburn premises connected over the next 24 months, and will be capable of reaching speeds of 6,000 Mbps by 2025.

The initial broadband package offered by 6G Internet will be capped at 100 mbps for £21 per month, but speeds will increase as the network becomes more established.

In addition, the government's Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme means eligible residents and businesses can have the cost of installation completely subsidised, meaning they pay no connection fee.

However, should businesses require a faster connection straight away, Internexus say they can also install a physical fibre line at half the market price for immediate access to gigabit speeds.