CityFibre to extend network to further 216 towns and villages
Full fibre broadband ISP CityFibre has announced that it has identified an additional 216 towns and villages across the UK for its network rollout. The additional locations will represent the completion of CityFibre’s planned £4 billion investment.
Through its rollout, which is being undertaken alongside strategic partners TalkTalk, Vodafone and Zen Internet, CityFibre is aiming to cover over 8 million premises across the UK. The ISP is hoping to “substantially” complete this project by the end of 2025.
The newly identified locations, which will include many rural areas, will cover around 3 million homes and account for £1.5 billion of the £4 billion total.
CityFibre CEO Greg Mesch said: “Today’s announcement is excellent news for consumers and even better news for Britain. We’re delighted to welcome so many new towns, villages and communities to our Full Fibre rollout programme.”
“By 2025, our world-class digital infrastructure will be within reach of nearly a third of the UK market, connecting homes, businesses, schools and hospitals, and supporting 5G mobile networks. This is clear proof of the benefits of digital infrastructure competition.”
“We have seen huge enthusiasm and early success from our ISP partners, both large and small. Together we’re maximising the potential of a new infrastructure build programme to stimulate demand and drive take-up.”
“Building the network is the first step. It’s only through the use of this world-class Full Fibre infrastructure that we can derive the maximum benefit for our economic recovery and future success.”
UK Digital Secretary Oliver Dowden added: “Today’s announcement shows how the government’s pro-competition policies are speeding up the delivery of gigabit broadband and helping the telecoms market thrive.”
“We’re spending a record £5 billion to level up homes and businesses across the UK with gigabit speeds. With CityFibre’s multi-billion pound investment, we’ll soon be bringing these lightning-fast connections to millions of people outside our major towns and cities.”
CityFibre says that its network currently covers more than 650,000 homes and is continuing to grow, with 14 ISPs now signed up.
