Work has officially started on a £45 million project to create a full-fibre broadband network across Derby.
The private investment by CityFibre will see almost every home and business in the city covered by the network, which once activated, will be available from a growing range of broadband providers.
Derby is celebrating a major milestone in its digital transformation as work begins to extend its full fibre network to reach almost every home and business in the town.
Across the 海角视频, CityFibre is already working with launch partner Vodafone to deliver next-generation broadband services, and TalkTalk is expected to join the network soon.
Construction work has started in the Mackworth area, with Abbey, Mickleover, Allestree and Darley Abbey set to follow later this year. J. McCann & Co Ltd is delivering the construction programme on CityFibre’s behalf.
Dominika Walker, CityFibre’s city manager for Derby, said: “The lockdown has demonstrated how essential a fast, reliable broadband service is for both businesses and residents.
“While the current crisis is not without its challenges, we are motivated to maintain progress and play our part in providing the digital infrastructure that will support home-workers in their day-to-day lives and enable residents to keep in touch with loved ones and access important online services.”
According to research from economic consultancy Regeneris, full fibre connectivity will give Derby a major economic boost.
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Councillor Matthew Holmes, deputy leader and cabinet member for regeneration, planning and transportation at Derby City Council, said: “We welcome this private investment by CityFibre into Derby to deliver a modern, state-of-the-art infrastructure that will futureproof connectivity for residents and businesses.
“CityFibre’s full fibre network will be vital in ensuring Derby has a resilient and dynamic economy for years to come and will also boost productivity and restart growth after Covid-19.
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“Derby’s new fibre infrastructure will play an important part in our recovery plan and the benefits across every area of Derby will be huge.”
Construction work on Derby’s next-generation full-fibre network is due to last up to five years, creating more than 100 construction jobs
John McCann, managing director at McCann, said: “This is a landmark project for our team to be involved with and we are proud to play our part in ensuring a very bright future for the city of Derby.”