CityFibre opens registrations for ultra-fast internet in Glasgow

Glasgow, 4th February 2015 – Businesses in Glasgow looking to vastly improve their internet speeds and digital capabilities are invited to register their interest online as CityFibre begins its detailed route planning for the city’s gigabit speed, pure fibre network. Upon completion later this year, close to 7,000 businesses will be able to access the network, which will support speeds more than 100 times faster than the national average. Registration for services in Glasgow will be crucial to determine the final route of the network and therefore how close it is to businesses looking to connect. CityFibre’s design and planning approach is demand-led, routing the network towards areas where demand from the business community, public sector, mobile operators and datacentre providers is highest. The network is being constructed on the back of a partnership with HighNet, a long established Scottish ISP that provides services to thousands of businesses across the UK. HighNet’s channel partner’s customers will be the first to benefit in Glasgow but hundreds of other businesses are expected to register interest and will get connected as the network rolls out. The Gigabit City fibre network will be CityFibre’s third in Scotland, following in the footsteps of Aberdeen and Edinburgh. The network build is much needed – YouGov research last year found that Over half (52%) of IT decision makers in Scotland believe the country’s broadband infrastructure is inferior to other parts of the UK, despite 61% of citing improved internet connectivity as key in supporting economic growth. CityFibre’s City Development Manager, James McClafferty, said: “Glasgow is one of the largest economies in the UK. It is the base for 35% of Scottish jobs and 40% of jobs in some of the country’s key sectors such as finance and aerospace. With a population on the rise, and new industries constantly growing, the city deserves a future-proof, digital infrastructure to support the way it does business in this digital-centric age. “We are truly excited to be building this network in Glasgow and as the rollout progresses it’s essential that businesses register on our website to ensure that the network reaches them and delivers maximum benefit to city’s business community.” David Siegel, Managing Director, HighNet added: “I'm absolutely thrilled that HighNet is the official launch partner of the Glasgow Gigabit project. Together with CityFibre, and our channel partners we will move businesses operating in the city, into a new era. “Glasgow now has an agile and eager alternative connectivity provider with a network focussed on true business needs and specifically prioritised for voice capabilities. “We encourage all businesses in the city to get in touch to discuss how they can sign up to start receiving some of the fastest broadband speeds in the country.” Councillor Frank McAveety, Leader of Glasgow City Council, said: “I am delighted that Glasgow is now a Gigabit City. Glasgow is at the forefront of adopting new technology, and this pure-fibre network further adds to our reputation as a smart city, harnessing innovation to deliver more benefit to our residents and businesses. This latest addition to Glasgow’s digital infrastructure helps us to continue this trend.” Businesses can register their interest at cityfibre.com/glasgow -ENDS-