Alternative network provider Cityfibre has today announced that they’ve connected the first homes to their new 10Gbps capable Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) broadband ISP network in rural parts of Norfolk, which is being built as part of their £114m state aid supported Project Gigabit contract (Lot 7) with the Government.
CityFibre currently aspires to cover up to 8 million UK premises with their new FTTP network (funded by c.£2.4bn in equity, c.£4.9bn debt and c.£800m of BDUK / public subsidy) – representing c.30% of the UK, but it remains unclear precisely when this will be achieved. The original goal was for the end of 2025, although their current build + M&A plan may get them up to c.6m (if it all goes well).
The operator has also won several contracts under the Government’s £5bn Project Gigabit broadband rollout scheme, which aims to help extend 1Gbps (download) capable networks to reach at least 85% of UK premises by 2025 (we’re currently at over 84%), before aiming to achieve “nationwide” coverage (c. 99%) by 2030. This is focused on upgrading the final 10-20% of hardest to reach premises (usually those in rural areas).
According to CityFibre, the first homes under their Norfolk contract have now gone live in the neighbouring rural communities of Newton St Faith and Horsham St Faith. The connections mark an important milestone for CityFibre, which is planning to deploy their 10Gbps-capable full fibre networks to over 1.3 million “subsidised and commercial premises” in hard-to-reach homes through the wider Project Gigabit programme.
CityFibre’s Norfolk contract (Lot 7)
£114m Project Gigabit investment (state aid)
£43m CityFibre investment (commercial)
Connections for 62,200 rural homes and businesses (state aid supported part)
Locations including Buxton, Castle Acre and Horning will be among those to benefit.
A further 8,000 premises in the north west of the county are being reviewed for inclusion subject to survey in the next six months.
Survey work completed anticipated December 2023
Build commences anticipated January 2024
Build completion anticipated December 2028
Sir Chris Bryant, UK Digital Infrastructure Minister, said:
“This government is committed to kickstarting economic growth and improving the lives of working people. Delivering reliable connectivity is a critical part of that mission.
By investing in broadband upgrades, we’re improving internet speeds in rural communities like Norfolk, helping people stay connected to their loved ones and opening up new opportunities for businesses.”
Simon Holden, Group COO at CityFibre, said:
“Project Gigabit is a real victory for residents and businesses across Norfolk and will future-proof digital infrastructure for years to come, as well as delivering faster speeds, greater reliability and a much better digital experience to people today.”
CityFibre is based in London and is owned by funds managed by Antin Infrastructure Partners and Goldman Sachs Asset Management, Mubadala Investment Company, Interogo Holding and Newlight Partners.