UK regions to receive broadband boost

Businesses and residence in eastern and southern parts of Britain are now set to gain all-new highspeed broadband connections supported by close to £320m worth of government investment.

Those working and living in rural areas of Hampshire, Suffolk and Norfolk will be able to conduct business, bank online, communicate, shop and stream entertainment far more effectively thanks to the most recent contracts signed for Project Gigabit, the UK government mission valued at £5bn. The initiative was created with the aim of rolling out gigabit-capable, dependable broadband throughout the UK, connecting businesses based in even the most remote and rural areas.

Enhanced connectivity unlocks brand-new opportunities and drives innovation to support Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s priority of expanding the UK economy by generating better paid employment opportunities.

Sir John Whittingdale, Minister for Digital Infrastructure, commented:

“Access to lightning-speed broadband is key to the government’s plans for driving economic growth and levelling up communities. This investment of £318m in government funding is a significant milestone in achieving that mission.”

The gigabit-capable infrastructure will be provided by CityFibre, Britain’s biggest independent company supplying full-fibre broadband. The company secured the opportunity to act as provider to the massive project following a competitive process and will now deliver faster broadband for approximately 218,000 businesses and homes. CityFibre is also making a private investment of its own, valued at £170m.

The first connections are expected to be live by summer next year, and survey work has already begun.