Digital upgrade set to transform Southend businesses

Up to 6,000 businesses across Southend-on-Sea are set to receive a Gigabit boost this spring as CityFibre, a leading builder of fibre infrastructure, opens the town’s new full-fibre network to local businesses. CityFibre is working with major internet service provider, Onecom, on the project launched today (8 March) at a Southend-on-Sea Borough Council business briefing. Local businesses will now have access to affordable ultra-fast broadband, supporting business growth, productivity and competitiveness as the Gigabit revolution spreads across the UK. Announced in 2016, the network was initially developed to support over 120 public sector sites including schools, social housing offices and council facilities. With connections due to go live this April, the network will aid the roll out of improved digital services by providing businesses with flexible, future-proof connectivity that does not depend on legacy copper infrastructure. Rob Hamlin, Commercial Director at CityFibre, said: “Partnering with the council to connect key public sector sites across Southend has been the first phase of this exciting project. Alongside Onecom, CityFibre will now bring the benefits of next-generation digital connectivity to businesses. Full-fibre connectivity can transform the digital capabilities of any industry, from the digital sector to tourism and hospitality, bringing significant economic benefit." Local business leaders are also welcoming the introduction of full fibre ultra-fast broadband. Mark Kass, CEO of Enterprise4Good & The Hive Enterprise Centre said: “Having ultra-fast internet capability here in Southend-on-Sea backed up by a solid IT infrastructure is a fantastic opportunity for all enterprises large or small wanting to start-up, survive and grow.” Councilor John Lamb, Leader Southend-on-Sea Borough Council said: “We are excited to introduce ultrafast full-fibre broadband across the Borough. Connectivity is a critical issue for today’s businesses; improved connectivity is a massive boost for our town’s investment which supports the council’s commitment to sustainable economic growth and improved opportunity for all.” James Bannister, Solution Director at Onecom commented: “In an increasingly digital world the need for reliable, high-speed broadband has never been greater. Through our partnership with CityFibre we are able to support business communication requirements over an ultra-fast network to help businesses of all sizes increase efficiencies and boost productivity." CityFibre is currently completing 42 Gigabit City projects across the UK. For more information about CityFibre and the Gigabit Southend project click here ENDS Issued on behalf of CityFibre by Weber Shandwick, PR Consultants for CityFibre. For more information or images, contact Sarah Ward at Weber Shandwick on 0141 333 0557 or sward@webershandwick.com