Backbone
The term 'backbone' is often applied to the core of a communications network, i.e. the part that provides high-capacity links over long distances between major nodes. In the early 1950s, the term was used by the General Post Office (BT's predecessor) to describe a chain of microwave links designed to provide resilient communications in the event of nuclear war. It was originally designed as a chain of stations between south-east England and Scotland.
The exact location of the Backbone sites changed as the project was developed, but in July 1956 there were 14 planned sites at (from south to north):
- Tring, Hertfordshire
- Charwelton, Northamptonshire
- Coalville, Leicestershire
- Pye Green BT Tower, Staffordshire
- Sutton Common, Cheshire
- Saddleworth, Yorkshire (Saddleworth is now in Greater Manchester)
- Hunters Stones, near Skipton, Yorkshire
- Azerley, Yorkshire
- Richmond, Yorkshire
- Muggleswick, Co. Durham
- Cold Fell, Cumberland
- Lockerbie, Dumfriesshire
- Green Lowther, Dumfriesshire
- Kirk o'Shotts, Lanarkshire (GPO site near BBC site)
Two additional 'Backbone spur' sites were planned for Shrewsbury and Grantham, which connected to the main Backbone spine at Pye Green and Coalville respectively.
Read more about this topic: British Telecom Microwave Network