Derby could be set for an economic windfall of more than 拢500 million following the installation of full-fibre broadband, according to a new study.
This spring, CityFibre is set to start work installing the technology across the city.
According to the firm, the Government has classed CityFibre staff as key workers, meaning the work can go ahead as planned, while observing social distancing protocols.
Ahead of work commencing, an economic impact report, compiled by consultancy Regeneris, has estimated it could unlock 拢510 million for the city.
It examined how the economy is likely to benefit from near-universal full fibre connectivity, quantifying the impact in the city over a 15-year period.
It found Derby鈥檚 home owners and the wider property market can expect a boost of 拢70 million in real terms value, as access to reliable, high-speed broadband becomes ever-more critical to house buyers.
Smart City initiatives including home automation technologies, smart energy networks and intelligent transportation systems could add as much as 拢69 million locally too.
Digital enhancements in the delivery of healthcare services could also be worth around 拢14 million.
And access to gigabit-speed full fibre connectivity could unlock 拢39 million in business productivity and innovation.
Derby already has an established reputation in advanced manufacturing and engineering and the Regeneris research shows start-up growth could be boosted to the value of 拢21 million.
Increased ability for companies to support flexible working could also add 拢19 million in value, by reducing barriers to work as well as improving employees鈥 work-life balance, motivation and retention.
Simon Hooton, director at Regeneris, said:鈥淔ull fibre will provide the core infrastructure required to kick start the next generation of digital technology and drive the expansion of smart infrastructure in towns and cities.
鈥淭he result will be a modernised, more productive and innovative 海角视频 economy.鈥
CityFibre is already working with launch partner Vodafone to deliver next-generation broadband services, and TalkTalk is expected to join the network soon.
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Dominika Walker, CityFibre鈥檚 city manager for Derby, said: 鈥淲ith a new full fibre network being built beneath its streets, Derby is a forerunner of digital transformation in the 海角视频.
鈥淭his report demonstrates that the city is set to enjoy huge economic benefits as a result of this roll-out.
鈥淭his is about more than just broadband, it is about the digital infrastructure set to power our economy for decades to come.鈥
