CityFibre to roll out £45m FTTP network in Luton and Dunstable
Independent full fibre platform CityFibre has announced that it will invest £45 million in extending Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) connectivity to the neighbouring towns of Luton and Dunstable in Bedfordshire.
CityFibre says that the investment will bring full fibre connectivity “within reach” of all premises in the two towns. According to the company, work on constructing the new network in Luton is due to begin in April 2022, while work in Dunstable is scheduled to start in early 2023.
CityFibre has not yet given a date for when the rollout is expected to be completed, nor has it named the civil engineering contractor that it will partner with for the construction. The delivery of the project will be lead by CityFibre City Manager for Luton and Dunstable Jean Gowin.
Gowin commented: “The next chapter in Luton and Dunstable’s story starts here and I’m delighted that we will soon be adding these locations to our full fibre network. As we future-proof Luton and Dunstable’s digital needs for generations to come, we cannot wait for residents and businesses to see what is possible with digital connectivity that propels you forward rather than holds you back.”
Councillor Steve Dixon, Executive Member for Sustainability and Transformation at Central Bedfordshire Council, said: “Investing in digital infrastructure supports economic growth and is vital for modern, everyday life. The rollout of ultrafast broadband in Dunstable will offer significant benefits for our residents and businesses.”
Councillor Sian Goding, Executive Portfolio Holder Regeneration and Inclusive Growth at Luton Borough Council, added: “It’s good news for Luton that CityFibre is rolling out its programme across the town. The borough-wide network will be a real benefit to residents and businesses at a time when connectivity has never been so essential.”
As with other CityFibre rollouts, the Luton and Dunstable build is part of CityFibre’s Gigabit City Investment Programme, through which it is investing up to £4 billion nationwide in FTTP. So far, the project has covered 1 million UK premises, with the aim of “substantially” covering 8 million in 286 locations by the end of 2025.
