CityFibre, the UK’s largest independent full fibre platform, has successfully concluded the primary-build phase of its full fibre network in Solihull. This milestone means that over 44,000 homes, approximately 85% of the town’s residential properties, as well as the majority of businesses in the area, now have access to CityFibre’s full fibre network, which is “ready for service.” This achievement marks the second completed location in CityFibre’s nationwide rollout, making Solihull one of the best-connected areas in the country.
The £25 million project, which commenced in February 2021, saw CityFibre laying nearly 235,000 kilometers of dense full fibre infrastructure throughout the town. Although the primary build is now finished, CityFibre is committed to exploring additional opportunities to extend its network to new areas, including newly constructed properties, those situated on private or unadopted roads, and business parks.
Residents in Solihull now have access to cost-effective, gigabit-capable, and reliable full fibre broadband services offered by various internet service providers (ISPs), including Vodafone, TalkTalk, Zen, and more. Any home within the network’s coverage area can schedule a full fibre installation within just five working days of placing an order.
A recent report conducted by Hatch, a consultancy commissioned by CityFibre, highlights the substantial economic, social, and environmental benefits that Solihull can expect to gain from its new digital infrastructure platform. These benefits include over £239 million in productivity and innovation gains and an additional £53 million generated from a broader workforce over a 15-year period. Moreover, enabling the rollout of 5G services alone could drive up to £568 million in positive economic impact.
Bashir Ahmed MBE, CityFibre’s Area Manager for Solihull, expressed pride in the successful completion of the primary build in Solihull. He emphasized that the engineering work will continue throughout 2023 to connect businesses and other services to CityFibre’s network. With the UK’s top-tier full fibre network now beneath the town’s streets, residents, businesses, and public institutions will enjoy the benefits for generations to come. Bashir Ahmed further highlighted Solihull’s potential and ambition as a town, emphasizing its importance in CityFibre’s expansion plans and its role in driving long-term growth in the UK market.
