Cityfibre Unveil 1Gbps FTTP Business Network for Leicester and Nottingham

Fibre optic (FTTP) infrastructure builder Cityfibre has today soft launched their new 1Gbps broadband and Ethernet network for SME businesses and public sector sites in the cities of Leicester and Nottingham, although local firms won’t be able to connect to the new service until this autumn.

The news won’t come as that much of a surprise because both networks were acquired from KCOM at the end of 2015 (here). Cityfibre also confirmed their intention to commercialise the infrastructure last year when they signed a new ISP partnership with Onecom, which will distribute the service.

The operator now wants local businesses to come forward and register their interest ahead of the autumn go live date. At present the network in Leicester should be able to reach around 2,000 businesses between Ratby Lane in the west and Humberstone Road in the east, via Dane Hills, Frog Island and the City Centre, including the University of Leicester.

Meanwhile the network in Nottingham can reach up to 3,000 businesses between Wollaton and Carlton. This includes those based in Arnold, Daybrook, Woodthorpe, Forest Fields, Hyson Green, Nottingham Trent University, Queens Medical Centre, West Bridgford and Clifton Boulevard.

Rob Hamlin, Commercial Director at CityFibre, said:

“Leicester and Nottingham are hugely ambitious cities with thriving business communities, but, their potential as leading players in the UK’s digital economy is currently being stifled by poor connectivity. While the Midlands Engine Strategy focuses on transport and manufacturing infrastructure, it’s vital that all plans for growth and development acknowledge the importance of reliable, future-proof connectivity as new industries emerge and traditional industries evolve to meet the demands of the digital age.

We’ve been rolling out full-fibre infrastructure to a number of cities across the Midlands helping the entire region reach its digital potential. Our investment in Leicester and Nottingham will stand to give city businesses and services a modern foundation for growth, investment and innovation and a proven toolkit for increased efficiency, productivity and competitiveness. Together, these elements form the building blocks of a thriving regional economy and sustainable growth and position both cities alongside some of the most connected locations in the UK and the world.”

To register your interest in becoming one of Leicester’s first Gigabit businesses, visit www.cityfibre.com/leicester or www.cityfibre.com/nottingham for Nottingham.