In June 2009, Birmingham City Council (BCC) announced its ambitions to establish a future proof digital infrastructure in recognition of the importance of superfast broadband connectivity for economic growth for the City and the City Region. BCC wants to work with market based commercial partners to create an open access network that can deliver superfast broadband with symmetrical speeds in excess of 50mbps directly to the premise (FTTP) for both businesses and households. The council's aim is to establish its first digital district in the Eastside and Digbeth area of the city as an initial demonstrator, but with the overall aim of rolling out the infrastructure across Birmingham and potentially across the City Region, which includes other local authorities in the West Midlands.

BCC therefore invites suitable organisations or individuals to participate in a market consultation event which will allow the council to investigate the possible options for the future development of this scheme. This may include the exploration of potential future proof technologies, partnership arrangements, delivery of services and funding and delivery models to inform Birmingham's strategic approach and assist in the development of a procurement strategy. Potential tenderers will also have the opportunity to consider whether they are interested in working with the City to deliver only the initial digital district, requirements for the whole of Birmingham and/or across the City Region or any combination of the above. There is a strong support for collaboration across the Birmingham and Black Country City Region to take this agenda forward. Where appropriate, Birmingham welcomes proposals for the development of innovative delivery models such as Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) and Joint Ventures to maximise investment opportunities for the commercial and public sectors. We would also welcome a consortium approach as we appreciate that the scope and scale of the potential work may not be deliverable by just one organisation.

The market testing event has been provisionally arranged for 29.9.2010 and will be attended by senior city officers to set out the vision and opportunities