Manchester-based Norweb Plc, one of the UK’s 12 regional electricity distributors and suppliers, has officially launched its new telecommunications division, Norweb Communications Ltd. Norweb was granted a Public Telecommunications Operators licence in April by the Department of Trade & Industry. Initially, the company’s services are to be targeted at business organisations in the public and private sector, says the unit. These services will include point-to-point voice and data private digital links; fibre optic, copper or microwave digital leased circuits; public switched telephony; and Real Private Network links. According to Norweb, the unit will use its existing private telecommunications network, which supports the voice and data requirements of its electricity distribution activities. This includes a network of phone cables throughout the Manchester city centre, many of which terminate in the distribution network substations of major business premises, says the company. In addition, Norweb Communications reportedly plans to invest over ?30m over the next five years in infrastructure investment. In order to provide full national and international call service, Norweb has entered a strategic collaboration with Energis, the long-distance network operator owned by the National Grid Co. Energis is scheduled to roll out its trunk network service later this year.
