Milton Keynes ICT Strategy Being Developed (Milton Keynes Liberal Democrats)

Milton Keynes Liberal Democrats <info@mk-libdems.co.uk>

Milton Keynes ICT Strategy Being Developed

October 20, 2009 8:35 PM

A strategy for information and communication technology (ICT) for Milton Keynes is being prepared to support the future development of the Borough, to help sustain its continuing growth, and to address known weaknesses in the communications services supplied to existing communities within Milton Keynes.

As a modern, growing city, Milton Keynes needs the right ICT infrastructure to support the well-being of its existing communities and its continued expansion. Milton Keynes Council, together with Milton Keynes Partnership and the Economy and Learning Partnership are looking ahead to the availability of next-generation access (NGA) broadband services and to the digital switchover that will affect broadcasting services, to ensure the right strategies and plans are in place to make this happen successfully.

Analysys Mason, a specialist ICT consultancy, has recently been awarded the contract to produce a workable ICT strategy for Milton Keynes by early 2010. They bring with them considerable experience through their work elsewhere in the UK, as well as in Singapore.

Delivery of improved broadband services to all homes and business premises in Milton Keynes is very important, not only to provide reliable and fast internet access but also to underpin access to the newer, developing technologies supporting utility metering, online bill payments and long-distance education.

Council Leader, Liberal Democrat councillor Sam Crooks, commented: "This Strategy will both address immediate concerns and recognise that Milton Keynes is a rapidly growing and developing community that will be amongst the largest cities in the UK by 2031. We want to ensure that all of Milton Keynes will benefit from its recommendations. Recent announcements by British Telecom that they will be introducing new fibre connections to around 20,000 homes are a very welcome and significant step in the right direction and the Council and its partners are looking to build on this positive move."