Cambridge MP gets closer look at city’s digital transformation as full fibre project gathers pace

Cambridge’s digital transformation is now underway, with the first homes scheduled to connect to the gigabit capable full fibre network this autumn. Cambridge MP Daniel Zeichner took a closer look on Friday (5^th July) at construction now underway in Chesterton on the city’s £20m digital transformation by full fibre infrastructure builder CityFibre. Mr Zeichner joined representatives from CityFibre for a tour of the site, giving him a first hand view of the construction process and the next generation technology that will soon be within reach of almost every home and business in the city. The build programme is set to continue for the next two years, and residents in the north of the city will be amongst the first to connect to the high capacity gigabit capable network when it goes live this autumn. Once complete, Cambridge will be amongst the first in the UK to benefit from citywide full fibre access. Charles Kitchin, City Manager for Cambridge at CityFibre, said, “Full fibre will provide an essential foundation for growth and development in Cambridge for decades to come. The digital age is transforming the way we live and work, and research shows that full fibre infrastructure could generate millions of pounds in economic benefits in Cambridge over the next 15 years. This will be transformational for the city and its residents. It’s great to see such enthusiasm for our roll-out and we’re very much looking forward to connecting the first group of Cambridge residents in the coming months.” Daniel Zeichner, MP for Cambridge, said, "I am pleased to see first-hand how the work is progressing and hear how local residents and businesses will be able to benefit from faster broadband. "Cambridge has a well established reputation for Science and Technology and now, with CityFibre, is on-track to become one of the best-connected cities in Britain.” "I'll be monitoring the building project as it progresses." John Henry Group is delivering the project on CityFibre’s behalf with work currently progressing well in Chesterton. Arbury and Kings Hedges are set to be the next areas to benefit . Cambridge-wide deployment of the full fibre network is expected to be largely completed by 2021, while close working with the local authority and modern build techniques will ensure that progress happens quickly and disruption is managed. Once live, residential customers in Cambridge will be able to connect to the network using Vodafone’s competitively priced Gigafast Broadband service. Residents who wish to register their interest can do so at www.vodafone.co.uk/gigafast/register. To find out more about CityFibre’s Gigabit City vision for Cambridge visit: www.cityfibre.com/cambridge/