Work to transform Newcastle upon Tyne into one of the world’s best digitally connected cities is underway.
Newcastle is celebrating a major milestone in its digital transformation with work now well underway to build a full fibre network to reach almost every home and business in the city.
CityFibre is investing at least £50m in Newcastle to deliver this transformational project, as part of its nationwide plan to replace the country’s ageing copper-based networks with gigabit-capable full fibre connectivity.
Full fibre is currently available to less than 11 per cent of premises across the UK. It is revered as the best in connectivity for its speed, near unlimited bandwidth and reliability. By using fibre optic cables for every stage of the connection from the customer’s home or business to the internet, users will be offered a significantly superior and more reliable broadband service, capable of Gigabit speeds (1,000 Mbps).
The network is not yet live, but once activated, services will be available from an increasing range of broadband providers. Across the UK CityFibre is already working with launch partner Vodafone to deliver next generation broadband services, and TalkTalk is expected to join the network soon.
Local contractor IQA Elecnor is delivering the construction programme on CityFibre’s behalf and work is already in progress in the Kenton and Blakelaw areas.
The company is using modern build techniques to deploy the network quickly, while working closely with Newcastle City Council and local communities to manage disruption and ensure a fast, successful roll-out. Residents are being kept informed by door-to-door teams and also mailings ahead of works in their streets.
Speaking of the project, Jason Legget, CityFibre’s City Manager for Newcastle upon Tyne said: “Full Fibre connectivity and next generation broadband services will transform the lives people in Newcastle. This goes far beyond simply helping households access the latest entertainment at lightning speed. The benefits are far deeper, from enabling smart home technology to giving people the freedom to work from home with ease.
“As well as enhancing our home lives, CityFibre’s full fibre network will give the city’s business community the platform they need to realise their growth ambitions. By connecting properties at up to 1000Mbps we’re putting Newcastle firmly in the top tier of all UK cities for connectivity and establishing it as a globally competitive digital destination.”
Cllr Ged Bell, Newcastle City Council’s Cabinet Member for Employment and Culture, said: “We welcome CityFibre’s investment into deploying a full fibre network in Newcastle. Having a modern, fit-for-purpose digital infrastructure is vital for growing our economy and ensuring that homes and businesses get the very best digital connectivity. Not only will full fibre attract new businesses, drive innovation and start-up growth but it will also modernise day-to-day services, support the adoption of new digital health technologies and bring benefits to all.”
If residents are interested in full fibre broadband, they can pre-register interest with CityFibre and will receive information when services are available.
To pre-register interest, visit: https://www.cityfibre.com/residential/
The project is also expected to create a significant number of job opportunities in the telecoms construction industry. CityFibre’s construction partner, IQA Elecnor are recruiting hundreds of local people to help build the state of the art network. For more information on local job opportunities visit https://www.iqagroup.co.uk/join-us
