The UK government has awarded 3 new contracts for the rollout of ‘gigabit capable’ infrastructure to 218,000 rural properties in Norfolk, Suffolk and Hampshire. 

This expansion aligns with the Project Gigabit initiative and aims to enhance and increase the coverage of its existing network infrastructure. The newly deployed network will be the sole gigabit-capable infrastructure in the targeted region, making it highly desirable for Internet Service Providers (ISPs) looking to offer their services. To access the network, ISPs can join the CityFibre platform, providing them with the opportunity to tap into the extensive reach of the full fiber network. This network has been built using state-of-the-art XGS-PON technology, recognized as the gold standard, capable of delivering speeds of up to 10Gbps. Compared to outdated copper-based networks. 

Undergoing a competitive selection process, three fresh Project Gigabit contracts have been secured, amounting to GBP318 million (US$404 million) in government subsidy. In conjunction with this funding, CityFibre is contributing an additional private investment of GBP170 million (US$216 million). Collectively, this joint effort resulted in a substantial investment of GBP488 million (US$620 million) for the project.