Openreach gigabit WiFi comes to Partington as IX Wireless looks to build WiFi monopoles in Trafford

Openreach who do all the dirty work for BT has now installed gigabit WiFi boxes to poles in the Partington area.

The boxes are connected to the fibre network bringing super fast data speeds, although you would be incredibly lucky to get anywhere near a so called ‘gigabit’

The IX Wireless equipment which will land in Trafford soon are millimetre wave and are set to be at a frequency between 60 and 70GHz other outside WiFi firms could also be using millimetre wave technology.

As the BT WiFi boxes are installed a competitor is just about to bring gigabit WiFi to Trafford, Tech firm IX Wireless confirmed with us today that they will soon be installing its equipment in the borough.

Millimetre Wave frequencies will affect everyone, the amount that we will be exposed to will be far greater in the coming months and years, the roll out of 5G has been slower due to the campaign group ‘Trafford Residents against 5G’ which has managed to get Trafford Planning to refuse over 30 mobile phone monopoles.

Despite the success Trafford is being swamped and the big networks swallow up big chunks of Trafford bit by bit, and it is only a matter of time before mobile phone millimetre wave (small cells) are on council infrastructure.

Although we agree having super fast broadband and mobile phone internet is a good thing which could bring about some advances in other things such as automation and even advances in medical science, 5G will also give authorities much better surveillance than ever before, more drones at football games and concerts.

An Openreach spokesperson said: “We’re building a new, full fibre network in Irlam to give residents access to gigabit-capable broadband.

“The new network already passes more than 8,000 local homes and businesses, who can now order some of the UK’s fastest, most reliable broadband from their chosen provider, and work continues on the ground.

“Wherever we can, we use our existing duct-and-pole network to avoid digging and disruption. But in order to include some properties in the upgrade, we may need to carry out roadworks or put up new poles.

” We work hard to select and site our infrastructure sensitively. Poles need to be in the right place to provide internet, TV and other services to properties, must avoid other underground services like gas and water pipes and drainage, and meet regulations on space left on the pavement for pedestrians, cyclists and prams.

“We appreciate we won’t always please everyone but we believe the overall impact of delivering the technology is overwhelmingly positive, bringing big benefits for residents, businesses and the local economy.

“All network providers follow a statutory process to install telecoms infrastructure on public land.”