Member Article

UK SMEs set to benefit from CityFibre’s alternative full-fibre network

CityFibre, one of the biggest challengers to BT Openreach’s fibre broadband hegemony, has announced it has begun to roll out its full-fibre network to 500 business parks across the UK.

The London-based business, which has grown its dense fibre network to over 40 UK cities, is hoping to offer gigabit-speed internet services to over 22,000 SMEs through Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and resellers.

Initial roll-out will be focused around business parks in Coventry, Bristol and Peterbrough, with pre-registration rates running at over 60% according to CityFibre.

Chief Executive, Greg Mesch believes that underinvestment in the fibre network by Openreach is hampering the growth of the UK’s businesses.

He said: “Access to full-fibre connectivity is the only long term solution, and this is currently either unavailable or so cost-prohibitive that it has remained out of reach for most.

“By extending our Fibre to the Premises roll-out to business parks across our national network, we are bringing affordable, world-class connectivity to the doorsteps of thousands of businesses for the first time. This is preparing our cities for an inevitable future upgrade to Fibre to the Home.”

The development comes after last week’s Autumn Statement, where the Chancellor committed to spend £1bn to boost the UK’s digital infrastructure with full-fibre broadband investment.

Minister of State for Digital and Culture Matt Hancock added: “In last week’s Autumn Statement we committed to investing another £1billion in the UK’s digital infrastructure and to support the delivery of full-fibre broadband.

“Fibre is the future, so today’s announcement by CityFibre is another boost to help achieve our ambitious goals. It will give small businesses across the country access to fast and reliable broadband and encourage other emerging providers to scale up so we remain a world-leading economy.”