Progress Update as New Greenwich Full Fibre Network Expands in London

The Digital Greenwich Connect (DGC) project, which is as Joint Venture (JT) between DG Cities, the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s Innovation Company, and full fibre broadband provider ITS Technology, has today announced the next phase of their network expansion, which will now cover both Woolwich and Eltham town centre.

The original project, which aimed to commercialise a 21km long gigabit-capable full fibre network around the London borough of Greenwich (serving both homes and businesses), got underway two years ago (here) as part of a joint investment worth £2 million. The open access network also aimed to utilise existing public infrastructure wherever possible in order to minimise build disruption.

In 2023, DGC launched their initial 21km phase of the network across Woolwich. But the next (second) phase now intends to deliver an additional 7km of fibre across Eltham town centre. The full fibre network currently passes 2,000 businesses, as well as public buildings and social homes.

Daren Baythorpe, CEO of ITS Technology, said:

“Our partnership with DG Cities has grown in strength to deliver ahead of plan. We have ensured that end-users not only have access to high-quality business-grade services, but can also choose their own service provider to buy the services from to meet their own needs.

“The expansion of this transformational full fibre network from Woolwich to Eltham town centre signals a key milestone and underpins the forward-thinking approach of the council in its strategic goals to support the digital transformation of the area, future-proofing it for generations to come.”

Anthony Okereke, Council Leader of the Royal Borough, said:

“It’s Our Greenwich mission to ensure that town centres, high streets and shopping parades are vibrant places that are prosperous and meet the needs of local people.

Digital Greenwich Connect is one of the innovative ways that we are ensuring residents and businesses have access to fast and reliable digital connectivity. This will not only support our plans to modernise the delivery of council services but also support economic growth and digital inclusion; helping Royal Greenwich to play an active role in delivering positive changes in the most efficient and effective ways possible.”

Broadband and Ethernet speeds of 1000Mbps (1Gbps) and beyond are being made available via the new network for “businesses, public services and residents” alike.