New gigabit network set to spark digital growth in Gloucester and Cheltenham

The nation’s leading alternative network provider, CityFibre, has partnered with Cheltenham-based ICT company, Bamboo Technology Group Ltd, to unleash the power of full-fibre beneath Cheltenham and Gloucester’s streets, giving businesses access to next-generation digital infrastructure and ultrafast internet speeds. Local businesses will soon be able to harness the benefits of full-fibre connectivity after CityFibre unveiled today new, alternative digital networks in both Cheltenham and Gloucester. The move by CityFibre responds to growing demand for ultra-fast connectivity in the region. A recent survey conducted by the company and Bamboo, revealed that over 60 per cent of businesses are languishing with an internet connection below 50Mbps. With the modern full-fibre infrastructure introduced by CityFibre in place, businesses across the area will now have affordable access to almost unlimited bandwidth, with 500Mbps and 1Gbps internet services. This, in turn, will bolster further digital growth across the region as well as providing a boost to local business, driving investment and inspiring new start-ups. CityFibre is now calling for local businesses to register their interest to discover more about the Cheltenham and Gloucester networks, their capabilities and how they can support their digital ambitions. Connections to the network can be secured through Cheltenham-based telecoms and ICT service provider, Bamboo. With the core network in place, many businesses will be able to access the network and benefit from ultrafast speeds very soon. And due to ambitious growth plans, more businesses will be able to benefit as the network expands in Gloucester and Cheltenham and surrounding areas such as Staverton and Quedgeley. Nick Gray, City Development Manager at CityFibre, explained: “Poor connectivity has been an issue for businesses across Gloucester and Cheltenham for a number of years and there’s a recognised need to invest to meet the demands of the digital age, where slow and unreliable connectivity can be a real barrier to local businesses. “We’ve successfully rolled out full-fibre infrastructure across the UK, including Bristol in 2016, and our expansion into two new areas will help the region reach its digital potential. Our investment in Gloucester and Cheltenham will stand to give businesses and services a modern foundation for growth, investment and innovation and a proven toolkit for increased efficiency, productivity and competitiveness. Together, these elements form the building blocks of a thriving regional economy and sustainable growth and position both areas alongside some of the most connected locations in the UK and the world. We’re looking forward to working alongside Bamboo in Cheltenham and Gloucester, as their experience, local insight and diverse range of solutions will be invaluable to aiding businesses take full advantage of the new infrastructure.” Lorrin White, Managing Director of Bamboo added: “We’re excited to offer businesses across the area truly affordable, ultrafast fibre connectivity for the first time. With over 85% of businesses we spoke to expressing an interest in affordable 500Mbps, there is clearly a growing appetite and need for the service.” “We have a wealth of industry in this area, and sectors like science and technology have made huge leaps in the region in recent years. We must have the infrastructure to allow these industries to continue to thrive. The gigabit network will make a real difference to Gloucester and Cheltenham’s digital landscape and we’re looking forward to working with CityFibre to support businesses across the area. We encourage more to get in touch and find out how they can join the network.” To register your interest in becoming one of Gloucester’s first Gigabit businesses, visit www.cityfibre.com/gloucester To register your interest in becoming one of Cheltenham’s first Gigabit businesses, visit www.cityfibre.com/cheltenham For more information about CityFibre and the Gigabit City movement, visit: www.cityfibre.com ENDS Issued on behalf of CityFibre by Weber Shandwick, PR Consultants for CityFibre. For more information or images, contact: Sarah Ward, Senior Account Executive at Weber Shandwick, on 0141 343 3259 or sward@webershandwick.com. For Bamboo media enquiries contact George Wright at Spartan PR on 07543 634718 or bamboo@spartanpr.com. Notes to Editors: About CityFibre CityFibre is the national builder of Gigabit Cities, as the UK’s largest alternative provider of wholesale fibre network infrastructure. It has major metro duct and fibre footprints in 42 cities across the UK and a national long distance network that connects these cities to major data-centres across the UK and to key peering points in London. The company has an extensive customer base spanning service integrators, enterprise and consumer service providers and mobile operators. Providing a portfolio of active and dark fibre services, CityFibre’s networks address 28,000 public sites, 7,800 mobile masts, 280,000 businesses and 4.0 million homes. CityFibre is based in London, United Kingdom, and its shares trade on the AIM Market of the London Stock Exchange (AIM: CITY). Further information on the company can be found at www.cityfibre.com About Bamboo (http://bamboo.tech) Bamboo provides a full range of ICT services including fixed and mobile voice, data, hosted telephony, cloud and consultancy. Award winning, market leading and independently thinking, Bamboo’s skill and expertise is in understanding how its customers work in order to specify and deliver on-point technology solutions that have a significant impact. In addition, the Total programme supports Bamboo’s broad channel network (www.connectgrow.co.uk) of partners through the Telecoms Dealer, Reseller and Wholesale and IT Reseller sectors.