MT's fibre optic roll-out to be completed by 2029

Company says it's one of largest infrastructure projects in Island history

Manx Telecom says the £50 million roll-out of its Island wide fibre optic infrastructure will be completed by 2029.

Part of the project – the shutdown of the copper telecom network – will begin next year.

It will be switched off in stages; the telecoms provider has introduced a ‘traffic light’ system so customers can check if their property is able to connect to fibre.

You can find out more HERE.

MT says the fibre optic roll-out represents one of the largest and most significant infrastructure overhauls in the Island's history.

More than 90 percent of homes and businesses are already able to access the faster internet.

However for people who haven't requested the switch from copper it means they must make the change to fibre if they want to continue receiving broadband.

Chief Technology Officer Hugo Van Zyl says residents and businesses will be notified well in advance of any change:  

A spokesperson from the Communications and Utilities Regulatory Authority added: “Retiring the copper telecoms network on the Island is an important step in developing our critical national infrastructure and safeguarding consumer interests should be at the forefront of our minds during this journey; especially ensuring the vulnerable members of our community are informed and protected.”