South Yorkshire Gigabit network connects first businesses

The UK’s leading alternative infrastructure provider, CityFibre, has connected the first businesses to its full-fibre Gigabit City networks in South Yorkshire. Businesses in Sheffield, Doncaster and Rotherham are gearing up for faster internet speeds and future growth, thanks to their new full-fibre networks which have connected their first customers via launch partner, Exa Networks. The network build is being delivered by alternative infrastructure provider, CityFibre, as part of its ambition to revolutionise the UK’s digital infrastructure. Services are being provided in partnership with internet service provider Exa Networks, the telecommunications specialist also helping to deliver multi-gigabit speeds to Leeds and Bradford. Imperial Automotive and Credit Style are the first businesses in South Yorkshire to access one of the fastest fibre networks in the world. Richard Wright, Chief Executive at Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, said: “Ultrafast internet connectivity is an extremely useful commodity for the business community and something which is regularly discussed by our members. “I am delighted to see a company coming into the city and investing in the local infrastructure to boost economic growth. This type of development further strengthens Sheffield’s extensive credentials as an innovation hub where businesses can thrive.” Jason Petrou-Brown, City Development Manager at CityFibre commented: “It’s fantastic to see a local business like Imperial Automotive, being amongst the first to benefit from our world-class digital infrastructure. The Gigabit City networks in South Yorkshire have the potential to catapult the region and the businesses operating there into the global digital arena and facilitate Sheffield, Doncaster and Rotherham in joining the likes of Leeds as key players in the Northern Powerhouse. “We view building future-proof digital infrastructure and establishing Gigabit Cities as an important investment that will instil confidence in the UK’s economy by equipping businesses and public services with the tools they need to fully embrace the digital age. We look forward to connecting many more organisations to our network and seeing the region reap the benefits of greater productivity, efficiency and competitiveness” Mark Cowgill, Co-Founder, Exa Networks added: “Connecting our first businesses to the gigabit network is a momentous milestone in delivering world-class connectivity to the Sheffield City Region. We’re excited to see the continued gigabit transformation of South Yorkshire in the same way we’ve seen with Leeds and Bradford - how they do business, attract and retain talent, harness new technologies and encourage investment in the wider Yorkshire region.” The growing demand for fibre in South Yorkshire comes as no surprise with this year’s Tech Nation Report estimating the region’s digitisation will generate an additional £339 million GVA for the region’s economy. CityFibre’s digital investment should see the region continue to flourish; providing the necessary infrastructure to support the rising numbers of high growth digital firms, accommodate the needs of tech start-ups and entice inward investment.