CityFibre, the UK’s third national digital infrastructure platform, is continuing its £60m digital transformation in Coventry. The announcement comes as work is due to start on the expansion of the full fibre network in the west of the city, including parts of Westwood, Earlsdon, Canley and Tile Hill.
Full fibre broadband provides the highest level of connectivity speed, near unlimited bandwidth and has much greater reliability. Households with access can download the latest entertainment at lightning speed and stream from multiple devices with ease, but the benefits are much deeper. Full fibre also enables smart home technology and provides people with the ability to work seamlessly from home. However, it is currently only available in 15 per cent of UK premises.
Leigh Hunt, CityFibre’s City Manager for Coventry said: “The Covid-19 crisis has highlighted just how important a reliable broadband connection is to every aspect of our lives. In a short time, we have adapted to home working, home learning and maintaining remote contact with our family and friends using digital technology.
“Coventry’s build is progressing well and it’s great to see our network expanding extensively throughout the city. Moving forward, our reliance on state-of-the-art connectivity is only going to increase and having future-proof digital infrastructure will stand us in great stead as the UK begins to tackle economic recovery during these unprecedented times.”
The roll-out follows on from an earlier investment in Holbrooks, Foleshill, Willenhall, Bell Green and Binley in the north of the city. Coventry is one of a growing number of locations in the UK to benefit from CityFibre’s ‘Gigabit City’ investment programme, which, once completed, will see almost £4bn committed nationally to bring gigabit capable, full fibre infrastructure, to up to eight million homes across the UK. It will also provide a future-proof platform for digital growth.
Across the UK, CityFibre is already working with launch partner, Vodafone and TalkTalk is expected to join the network soon.
CityFibre will continue to work closely with local authority partners to ensure the delivery of a swift roll-out, that will minimise both disruption and the time spent in each location during construction. The construction programme is being delivered by Callan Connect, using a locally recruited workforce who have been identified as ‘key workers’. They continue to follow the social distancing protocols outlined by Public Health England to ensure their own safety and that of members of the public.
The roll-out will support Coventry as it continues its evolution into a renowned digital hub. Research from economic consultancy Regeneris predicts that, over 15 years, access to full fibre could add up to £101m to the value of local homes, while Smart City initiatives could add as much as £77m locally. It could also unlock £27m in business productivity and innovation, while a further £29m in growth could be driven from new business start-ups, with enhanced connectivity making it easier and less expensive to set up base and run efficiently.
For more information about the build and to register for updates on progress in your area, visit: https://www.cityfibre.com/
To register your interest in securing a full fibre broadband service, visit cityfibre.com/residential