CityFibre, the UK’s largest independent full fibre platform, has achieved a significant milestone by connecting over 3 million premises with its nationwide full fibre network. This achievement represents a significant step toward CityFibre’s goal of reaching up to a third of the UK with its full fibre infrastructure.
The company has made impressive progress, surpassing 2 million homes in September 2022 and is on track to deliver an additional million Ready For Service premises to Internet Service Providers (ISPs) by the end of this year. CityFibre embarked on the construction of its access network in 2018, beginning with mobilization in its first 12 towns and cities. Since then, it has achieved primary build completion status in several locations, including Milton Keynes, Stirling, Peterborough, and Coventry.
In mature locations like Milton Keynes, CityFibre’s ISP partners are approaching a 30% take-up rate, indicating strong demand for full fibre broadband. This momentum is mirrored in other locations that are progressing similarly.
Earlier this year, CityFibre secured four Project Gigabit contract awards, totaling £387 million in government subsidies, aimed at connecting 262,000 homes. This initiative has received nearly £223 million in private investment from CityFibre, resulting in a combined investment of £610 million in Project Gigabit’s target areas. Furthermore, within its existing home build program, CityFibre plans to expand to an additional 453,000 premises, enhancing its commitment to improving connectivity across the UK.
As CityFibre’s network continues to expand, it is set to launch the UK’s first wholesale 2.5Gbps symmetrical consumer broadband product. This product will be rolled out to ISP customers on a gradual basis, starting in CityFibre’s most mature XGS-PON deployment areas. The platform can support symmetrical speeds of up to 10Gbps and is designed for seamless upgrades to 50G PON.
By the end of 2023, CityFibre anticipates deploying its XGS-PON equipment into over 90% of its fibre exchanges, allowing the new 2.5Gbps product to be available to approximately 20% of its ready-for-service footprint.
Throughout its extensive build program, CityFibre has prioritized health and safety, receiving multiple Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) awards for maintaining a safe working environment for its staff and build partners.
Greg Mesch, Chief Executive Officer at CityFibre, expressed his satisfaction with the progress, stating that the company has made significant strides in matching its performance from the previous year. He emphasized the importance of their investment, bringing world-class digital infrastructure to 3 million homes and their commitment to connecting many more as the rollout progresses.
Minister for Data and Digital Infrastructure, Sir John Whittingdale, acknowledged the significant impact of CityFibre’s efforts, stating that millions of homes and businesses now have access to ultra-fast, reliable broadband and 5G, thanks to CityFibre’s delivery of the Government’s Project Gigabit. He highlighted the progress toward achieving the government’s coverage goals by 2025 and 2030, crediting providers like CityFibre for their contributions.
