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Using an innovative, cooperative approach, local councils and partner organisations have built new, advanced digital infrastructure, serving public sector, businesses and citizens.
The ‘thin layer model’ – pioneered in Tameside in Greater Manchester – facilitates rapid deployment of new digital infrastructure, avoiding the complications and downsides associated with other public-sector interventions. A ‘thin-layer’ cooperative provides a set of shared rules which govern trade between its members – in this case private sector companies paying public sector asset holders for the use of their assets.
The thin layer model is pragmatic. Councils and their public sector partners have invested in new infrastructure assets where an internal business case can be made, repurposing service expenditure to build new infrastructure with long-term savings.
Using the thin layer model, the assets of different organisations are sewn together to form a coherent, integrated infrastructure that is shared using a neutral co-operative: Cooperative Network Infrastructure (CNI). CNI brings together public agencies with infrastructure that can be shared. This includes local authorities , NHS trusts, college groups and social housing providers. These contributor members share digital infrastructure assets, while retaining ownership and without needing to invest in complex SPV or JV structures.
The model allows the benefits of collaboration to be shared with the private sector telecoms operators and ISPs as well. Private-sector members of the cooperative can access the shared infrastructure on equal, non-exclusive terms.
Shaun Fensom
Director
Community Broadband Network
