Lite Access Technologies wins CityFibre contract as part of £20m investment in Cambridge

CityFibre, the UK’s third national digital infrastructure platform, has awarded Lite Access Technologies a city-wide build contract in Cambridge. The project is part of CityFibre’s £4bn Gigabit City Investment Programme, targeting full fibre rollout to up to eight million premises across the UK.

Construction work on Cambridge’s next generation full fibre network began over a year ago and is due to be completed by 2021. The project will bring almost all residents and businesses in the city within reach of the future-proof network and gigabit-speed broadband services.

As key workers, CityFibre has been asked by the UK Government to continue to expand the nation’s digital capacity. All contractors are being urged to follow the social distancing protocols as outlined by Public Health England to ensure their safety, and that of the general public.

CityFibre’s £4bn Gigabit City Investment Programme targets the rollout of wholesale full fibre infrastructure to up to eight million homes and businesses across more than 60 towns and cities. CityFibre has network construction underway in 21 cities and towns with Gigabit-speed services already live in 14 cities. At its peak, the project will create up to 7,000 new construction jobs.

James Thomas, Director of Supply Chain at CityFibre, said: “We have been working with Lite Access Technologies on similar projects in Lowestoft and Bury St Edmunds over the last few months and are now pleased to be welcoming them into Cambridge to help with the roll-out of the city’s new future-proof full fibre infrastructure.

“Our Gigabit City Investment Programme equates to laying over 50,000 kms of fibre across more than 60 towns and cities, with 120,000 premises being made ready for service each month at its peak. To help us achieve these ambitions, we have been forging long term partnerships with successful, nimble contractors that are able to scale alongside us while being prepared to work closely with the local communities we serve. Lite Access Technologies is a great example of this having shown they can deliver full fibre networks to both residents and businesses with the requisite care and quality, and we look forward to working with them for years to come.”

Modern build techniques will ensure the network is delivered quickly, with Cambridge City Council and local communities fully consulted to manage disruption and ensure a fast and successful roll-out. Residents are being kept informed through digital advertisements and mailings ahead of works commencing in their streets.

Carlo M. Shimoon, President & CEO at Lite Access Technologies, said: “This is now the third city that Lite Access Technologies is operating in on behalf of CityFibre, helping them to achieve the aims of the Gigabit City Investment Programme.

“We are proud to play our part in constructing the digital infrastructure that will truly transform the lives of residents and provide a platform for business growth across Cambridge.”