ITS Extend Gigabit Full Fibre Network in Nottingham UK to 62km

The ITS Technology Group (its.) has today announced the second expansion phase of their existing gigabit speed “full fibre” network (Ethernet and broadband) in the Nottinghamshire city of Nottingham, which will more than triple their digital infrastructure in the area and thus cover many more local businesses.

The new network is part of ITS’ Faster Britain programme, which is designed to help support the UK Government’s wider £5bn Project Gigabit pledge (i.e. bringing gigabit speeds to at least 85% of UK premises by the end of 2025).

The operator’s original full fibre network, completed in 2017, reused cable ducts that follow the 17km route of the tramlines from the city centre out to Clifton and Tollerton. By comparison this latest phase extends the network to more than 62km, giving many more businesses access to gigabit capable connectivity.

The local network now spans the city centre, building out a full fibre route to cover many business parks and industrial areas including Nottingham Science & Technology Park, Bilborough, Glaisdale Industrial Estate, Lenton Industrial Park, and across the river to West Bridgeford. ITS is also committed to expanding the network across the Nottingham Enterprise Zone.

Daren Baythorpe, CEO of ITS, said:

“This build has been stimulated by increased demand from businesses across the city. We’re excited to be playing such an integral role in the digital aspirations of businesses in this area. Reliable, high speed connectivity is a necessity, and we continue to work with our partners to identify the areas that are underserved. It’s by making this our mission that our Faster Britain programme is playing its part in delivering on the government’s promise to have 100% Gigabit capability by 2033.”

All of this should complement the company’s recent funding boost of £45m from Aviva Investors, which will see them aim to cover 200,000 homes and businesses over the next few years (here). The operator has also continued to extend its “Faster Britain” network footprint across Greenwich (London), Blackpool, Bristol, Hammersmith and Fulham, and Tameside, Manchester etc.

Admittedly all of this work is currently more focused upon improving local business connectivity, but then ITS aren’t the only gigabit game in town. For example, Virgin Media already has extensive coverage of the city and then there’s Openreach’s on-going deployment of FTTP, as well as Cityfibre’s huge £117m rollout. On top of that Hyperoptic, Glide and OFNL have also deployed full fibre services in different patches of the city.