New agreement to bring fibre broadband connectivity to Greater Manchester social housing residents

Local government, housing providers, and the telecoms industry have announced a partnership to bring fibre broadband connectivity to 260,000 social homes in Greater Manchester.

The new ‘Wayleave’ agreement, struck between the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), Greater Manchester Housing Providers, which includes Stockport Homes Group, and telecoms firms, Virgin Media O2, Nexfibre, Openreach and Hyperoptic, will make it easier for social housing tenant to access higher speed internet connections at lower costs.

The agreement is the first of its kind in the UK and will see social housing providers and industry leaders come together to reduce costs, tackle the digital divide, and build the foundations for future improvements. Around one in five residents in Greater Manchester lives in social housing, and GMCA research estimates that up to 60% of these residents faces digital exclusion of some form – including cost barriers. Since the start of the cost-of-living crisis, around 1 million people nationally have lost broadband access because of rising prices.

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said:

“Being able to get online quickly and easily is essential for staying in touch, accessing services, and finding new opportunities. It’s an essential part of modern life – which is why it’s so important that we tackle digital exclusion.

“I’m pleased to see our housing providers and industry leaders coming together in this new partnership to connect more people across our city-region, so we can ensure that no one is left behind.”

Cllr Nick Peel, GMCA Portfolio Lead for Digital, added:

“If landlords want to make sure their residents are digitally included now, and that they will be into the future, then they should consider signing up.

“The aim to connect as many homes as possible is a good one. Tenants need fast broadband to support their work and education, and to access healthcare services and entertainment. The Wayleave agreement gives social landlords a way of equipping their properties and enabling it.”

Nick Horne, Chief Executive at Wythenshawe Community Housing Group, one of the 24 housing providers in Greater Manchester that are part of the scheme, said:

“Social housing providers across Greater Manchester are dedicated to raising the standards and quality of our homes, and ensuring access to digital connectivity is a key part of this. By granting wayleave agreements, we can enable internet service providers to start their work quickly, so connections can be up and running as soon as possible. Their commitment to this agreement could bring digital access to thousands of homes.”