CityFibre, the UK’s leading independent full fibre platform, is making significant progress in Leeds with its full fibre network construction. Recently, the Member of Parliament for Leeds North East, Fabian Hamilton, received an insightful tour of the Pudsey Fibre Exchange (FEx) to witness the city-wide project firsthand.
During the visit, representatives from CityFibre and their build partner, O’Connor Utilities, introduced Fabian Hamilton MP to full fibre digital infrastructure, recognized as the best available network technology. The Pudsey FEx is part of an expanding network of purpose-built, power-efficient micro-edge data centers used by CityFibre for delivering, managing, and monitoring live services and data across its extensive network.
In contrast to most of the digital infrastructure available to households today, full fibre networks utilize 100% fibre optics for high-speed data transmission, extending from the home to the point of connection. This ensures consistently fast speeds for both upload and download (up to 1,000 Mbps), providing virtually unlimited bandwidth and dependable connectivity.
Full fibre connections offer more than just lightning-fast entertainment access. They are regarded as an essential digital utility that enhances the productivity and innovation of households and businesses alike, contributing significantly to the local economy.
Kim Johnston, Regional Partnership Director for CityFibre, expressed her excitement about the network’s growth in Leeds and its future benefits for the city. She noted that, according to recent research conducted by Hatch, CityFibre’s full fibre network in Leeds is expected to unlock £972 million in productivity and innovation. It will also contribute to a £406 million increase in house values, promising a substantial economic boost.
Construction of the network in Leeds is led by O’Connor Utilities on behalf of CityFibre. The team employs various construction methods and collaborates closely with Leeds City Council and local communities to ensure a speedy rollout while managing potential disruptions.
As the network installation progresses in each neighborhood, CityFibre will identify homes as ‘ready for service,’ allowing residents to choose full fibre-enabled broadband services as they become available in their area.
In Leeds, customers can opt for full fibre services from CityFibre’s launch partner, Vodafone, along with providers like TalkTalk, Giganet, Zen, and others. This initiative is poised to significantly enhance digital connectivity and economic prospects in Leeds, transforming it into a technologically advanced city.
