CITYFIBRE’S PRIMARY-BUILD IN SOUTHEND-ON-SEA IS NOW COMPLETE

CityFibre, the UK’s largest independent full fibre platform, has completed the primary-build of its full fibre network in Southend-on-Sea. The new network is now 'ready for service’ to over 70,000 homes, about 90% of the city’s residential properties, as well as most businesses, key public sector and community sites. Southend-on-Sea is the latest completed location in CityFibre’s nationwide rollout making it one of the best-connected locations in the country.

Construction began on the £51m project in July 2019 and CityFibre has since laid almost 1,000km of dense full fibre infrastructure across the city. While the primary-build is now completed, CityFibre will continue to explore opportunities to reach further areas including new build properties, those on private or unadopted roads and business parks.

Residents in Southend-on-Sea can now enjoy affordable, gigabit-capable, and reliable full fibre broadband from a range of internet service providers (ISPs) including launch partner Vodafone, TalkTalk, Giganet and Zen. All homes passed by the network can schedule a full fibre installation within five working days of placing an order.

A recent report by the consultancy Hatch, commissioned by CityFibre, found Southend-on-Sea stands to experience significant economic, social and environmental benefits from its new digital infrastructure platform, including over £296m in productivity and innovation gains and £65m from a widened workforce over a 15-year period. Enabling 5G rollout alone could drive up to £705m in positive economic impact.

Neil Madle, Partnership Manager for Southend-on-Sea at CityFibre, said: “We’re thrilled that the primary-build of our full fibre network in Southend-on-Sea is now completed, marking an exciting new chapter for the city as it becomes one of the best-connected places in the UK.

“Now equipped with lightning-fast and highly reliable connectivity, the local community stands ready to reap the many productivity and innovation benefits that full fibre offers - we’re excited to watch as Southend-on-Sea makes the most of this new infrastructure.”

Anna Firth, MP for Southend West, said: “It’s fantastic to learn that the primary-build of CityFibre’s full fibre rollout in the city is now completed, not only does this mean Southend residents will now have access to the best-available digital infrastructure, but it will also see a welcome end to the roadworks caused by this essential work. Connectivity is more important than ever before, and I’m thrilled that Southend-on-Sea now has the infrastructure needed to thrive in the digital age."

People interested in upgrading their home’s digital connection to full fibre can find out more here.