A £25 million award could help Bolton and other Greater Manchester authorities become part of one of the top five digital regions in Europe.

Greater Manchester had been given the money by central Government to significantly upgrade its digital infrastructure – funding that will help deliver “full fibre” broadband technology across the region and pave the way for 5G mobile technology.

It is the largest digital upgrade plan of its kind in the UK and the funding will be used to connect over 1,500 public sector buildings across Greater Manchester, including premises used by health, education, social care, fire, and local government.

The upgrade is expected to trigger more than £200 million from the private sector said to be keen to deliver similar connections to business and residential customers.

Around 1,000 local businesses will also receive support to help them get connected, thanks to a ‘Gigabit Voucher Programme’.

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: “This is a major vote of confidence in our plans to make Greater Manchester the UK’s leading digital city-region, and brings us one step closer to being one of the top-five digital city-regions in Europe.”

He added: “I want to close the digital divide, not widen it, and it’s vital that through this upgrade, everyone in Greater Manchester is given the opportunity to participate fully in digital life, services and commerce. Every one of our cities and towns across the ten boroughs will benefit from this investment, making Greater Manchester a truly connected place, a forward-thinking, digital city-region.”

Ofcom has reported that the UK currently has just two per cent full fibre coverage, compared to around 60 per cent in Spain and Portugal. With the UK falling behind international competitors, it is believed the upgrade will deliver a massive boost to Greater Manchester’s – and the UK’s – economic prospects.