Weston-super-Mare’s digital future to be transformed with £22m full fibre roll-out

Nearly every home and business in Weston-super-Mare will gain access to next-generation broadband thanks to a major investment by CityFibre.

Weston-super-Mare is to benefit from an investment of £22m in its digital future, as part of CityFibre’s plans to upgrade the nation’s legacy networks with gigabit-capable full fibre connectivity.

The state-of-the-art infrastructure is expected to boost business productivity and innovation and deliver millions in economic benefits for the town, while giving residents access to the UK’s fastest broadband services.

Detailed planning is already underway as CityFibre, the UK’s third national infrastructure platform, designs a network capable of serving Weston-super-Mare’s current and future demands. Upon completion, the network will be in reach of nearly every home and business in the town and will provide a platform for a new generation of “smart city” applications, as well as the roll-out of 5G mobile services.

CityFibre has appointed Kathryn Askew Smith as City Manager to spearhead delivery of the Weston-super-Mare project, which is due to commence in January. In this role, Kathryn will be responsible for ensuring the state-of-the-art full fibre network is implemented with minimal disruption while delivering maximum benefit for the wider community.

Kathryn will also be the lead point of contact for all the town’s stakeholders and a key advocate of the wide-ranging benefits that a full fibre network will bring to Weston-super-Mare’s residents and businesses.

A project manager with more than 25 years’ experience in supporting infrastructure and telecoms projects in the UK, Asia and the USA, Kathryn said: “I’m excited to have joined such a forward-looking organisation that is delivering game-changing infrastructure to Weston-super-Mare. This year, we’ve all come to appreciate the importance of fast, reliable broadband and CityFibre’s investment in the town will play a crucial role in growing and protecting the local economy.

“Fast and reliable fibre connections will make the town an even more desirable place to visit, live and work as our requirement for robust connectivity is only set to increase. I look forward to working with the Weston-super-Mare community to realise this transformational project.”

Kier Group is delivering the construction programme on CityFibre’s behalf, using modern build techniques to deploy the network quickly. CityFibre will work closely with North Somerset Council and local communities to ensure a fast and successful roll-out. Residents are being kept informed by mailings ahead of works commencing in their streets.

David Green, Managing Director at Kier Utilities & Rail, said: “We are pleased to be working on this contract for CityFibre in Weston-super-Mare. It’s great to be part of an enterprise that transforms communities’ digital experiences, by giving them reliable, futureproof broadband.”

Councillor Mark Canniford, Mayor of Weston-super-Mare Town Council said: “We welcome this private investment by CityFibre into Weston to deliver a modern, fit-for-purpose digital infrastructure that will futureproof residents and businesses.

“Weston Town Council continues to work closely with the private sector to facilitate economic growth in the digital age and CityFibre’s full fibre network will be vital in ensuring Weston has a resilient and dynamic economy for years to come.”

The network is not yet live, but once activated, services will be available from an increasing range of broadband providers. Across the UK, CityFibre is already working with launch partner, Vodafone to deliver next generation broadband services, and TalkTalk is expected to join the network soon.

If residents are interested in full fibre broadband, they can pre-register interest with CityFibre to receive information when services are available. To pre-register, visit: cityfibre.com/residential