NEARLY every home and business in Bradford will have access to next-generation broadband thanks to a £75m investment by CityFibre.
The move is part of the firm’s plans to help replace the UK’s copper networks with gigabit-capable full fibre optic connectivity.
The state-of-the-art infrastructure is expected to boost business productivity and innovation, deliver millions of pounds in economic benefits for Bradford and help the region to recover from the economic downturn – while giving residents and businesses access to the UK’s fastest broadband services of up to 1,000 megabytes per second.
Detailed planning is already underway and the project is due to start in spring 2021 in the East Bowling area. When completed, the network will be in reach of nearly every home and business in the city.
Kim Johnston, city manager for CityFibre said: “We’ve made great progress already across Yorkshire, so we’re excited to announce our £75m Bradford investment at a time when digital infrastructure has more than proved its value as an enabler for the economy. We’ll be collaborating closely with Bradford Council to ensure the local community is kept informed at every stage of the process.”
Salford-based Network Plus is constructing the network on behalf of CityFibre.
CityFibre will also work with the Council and local communities to ensure a fast and successful roll-out. Residents will also be kept informed ahead of any works starting in their street.
Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, portfolio holder for regeneration, planning and transport at the Council said: “Digital connectivity is an important driver of new high-quality jobs and investment so we are delighted CityFibre, which will make Bradford one of the best digitally connected areas in the UK, is proceeding at pace.
“Bradford district is already home to many high-tech industries and world-leading infrastructure like this will boost local productivity and make our area even more attractive to investors and entrepreneurs.”
Kersten England, chief executive of the Council said she was delighted that the district had been selected, adding: “Jobs will be created to construct this new network at a time when job creation has never been more essential, as we look to recover from the effects of COVID-19.
“Even more important is the transformational impact that this will have on our local business community. Gigabit capable full fibre broadband will also make us more likely to attract new business and commerce into our area. Bradford has long been recognised as a leading destination to start a business. Finally, it will be transformative for our district’s residents, supporting our young population to learn, innovate, create and communicate.”
To register your interest in full fibre broadband visit cityfibre.com/residential.
