Telford and Wrekin set for multimillion-pound VMO2 boost

Thu, 16/06/2022 - 11:21
VMO2

Telford and Wrekin Council has signed a 10-year, multimillion-pound deal with Virgin Media O2 to boost infrastructure, digital skills and employment.

VMO2 Business will connect more than 200 council premises and other public buildings to full fibre and the upgraded infrastructure will lay the foundations for a further 12,000 local premises to connect to fibre.

Through the partnership, ten community organisations will be connected to fibre and a digital inclusion fund will be set aside to improve access to digital services.

VMO2 Business is also working with Comex 2000 to offer hands-on apprenticeship and work experience opportunities to young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

A ‘Digital Learning Fund’ will be formed to offer access to a range of training opportunities and will be supplemented by an in-kind donation to support Care Leavers in the local area.

VMO2 Business employees based in Telford will deliver at least 100 hours of volunteering time to support digitally excluded residents in improving their online skills.

Mike Smith, Director of Large Enterprise and Public Sector at VMO2 Business, said: “Today, digital connectivity isn’t a nice-to-have, it’s essential.

“This project will make huge strides to tackle digital exclusion in Telford and Wrekin, giving people access to new opportunities, educational resources and keeping them connected when they need it.”