WELLINGBOROUGH is set for a £14 million investment in a new full fibre broadband network.
The town is to join the growing list of those across the UK to receive new digital infrastructure installed by CityFibre. It is preparing to start work on a new town-wide network that will bring fast and reliable full fibre-enabled internet services within reach of almost every business and home.
Construction work is due to start next month. CityFibre has already installed similar infrastructure in Northampton and work is well under way in Kettering.
North Northamptonshire Council says that strong commercial investment is critical to boost much needed full fibre coverage. Coverage has increased from 19% in August 2021 to more than 35%.
Cllr David Howes, executive member for rural communities and localism, said: “Full fibre connectivity is increasingly important for business success and innovation, for improving the quality of life of our residents, and enabling environmental benefits.”
Full fibre networks, unlike many of the copper-based ‘fibre broadband’ services available today, use 100% fibre optic technology to carry data at light speed from the home to the point of connection. This gives users speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps for upload and download (up to 1,000 Mbps), near limitless bandwidth and connectivity users can depend on.
CityFibre says it will drive a range of economic benefits, such as increased productivity and innovation.
CityFibre’s area manager James Cushing pictured right said: “Our full fibre network will transform Wellingborough’s digital capabilities for decades to come. Our builders will get to work on the network roll-out this autumn and as properties are linked up to the network, we cannot wait for residents and businesses to see what is possible with digital connectivity that propels you forward rather than holds you back.”
In Wellingborough, services will be available from an increasing range of broadband providers. Across the UK, CityFibre is working with launch partner Vodafone to supply full fibre infrastructure for customers on selected Vodafone Pro Broadband plans, as well as TalkTalk, IDNet, Giganet and Zen. Other providers are expected to join the network soon.
Cllr Howes said: “Getting the right digital infrastructure in place is a big priority for the council. This needs to be fit for the longer term.”
Residents interested in giving their home broadband a boost can find out more about the build and register their interest at cityfibre.com/residential.