CityFibre chooses Middlesbrough for £42m gigabit investment

Nearly every home and business in Middlesbrough will gain access to next-generation broadband thanks to a major investment by CityFibre, the UK’s third national digital infrastructure platform.

Middlesbrough is to benefit from an investment of over £42m as part of CityFibre’s plans to help replace the UK’s legacy copper networks with gigabit-capable full fibre optic connectivity.

The state-of-the-art infrastructure is forecast to boost business productivity and innovation, deliver millions of pounds in economic benefits for Middlesbrough 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 as CityFibre designs a network capable of serving Middlesbrough’s current and future demands. Upon completion, the network will be in reach of nearly every home and business in the area, providing a platform for a new generation of “smart city” applications and the roll-out of 5G mobile services.

Jason Legget, as City Manager at CityFibre, will spearhead delivery of the Middlesbrough project, which is due to commence in December. As commercial lead for CityFibre in the region, Jason will be the main contact for all the town’s stakeholders and a key advocate of the wide-ranging benefits that a full fibre network will bring.

Jason said: “Our network build is already progressing well in Newcastle, so it’s exciting to now look to our £42m Middlesbrough Full Fibre investment. We are working in close partnership with Middlesbrough Council to transform the town’s digital infrastructure, ensuring that the digital needs of those working and living in the town are met now, and in the future.”

MAP Group (UK) is constructing the network on behalf of CityFibre. The company, based in Stockton-on-Tees, will use modern build techniques, including, where possible, utilising existing underground and overground infrastructure to ensure a fast and successful roll-out. Their teams are following social distancing protocols to ensure their own safety, as well as that of the general public.

Mike Carlin, CEO at MAP Group (UK) said: “We are delighted to have been awarded this contract and CityFibre’s commitment to delivering the latest in full fibre technology to the town of Middlesbrough is both commendable and exciting. The scheme, along with similar projects across the UK, will transform communities - gearing them up for the future of connectivity in order to attract businesses, visitors and improve the lives of residents.”

CityFibre will be engaging with Middlesbrough Council and local communities to ensure a fast and successful roll-out. Ward Councillors will be briefed on plans for the local community and residents are being kept informed by door-to-door teams and mailings ahead of works commencing in their streets.

The network is not yet live but once activated, services will be available from an increasing range of Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to deliver next generation broadband services.

Welcoming the announcement, Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston added: “Despite Covid, aspects of Middlesbrough are booming, and in 18 months’ time the incredible broadband speeds that CityFibre is bringing will help us to create more business and more jobs.

“We welcome CityFibre’s investment in our town as it furthers our aim of providing a future-proofed full fibre digital infrastructure and a greater choice for the people of Middlesbrough.

“Fantastic.”

If residents are interested in full fibre broadband, they can pre-register their interest with CityFibre to receive information when services are available at cityfibre.com/residential