Neos Networks Update on GBP10.5m Aberdeenshire Full Fibre Network

Last year Neos Networks scooped the £10.5m Local Full Fibre Networks (LFFN) contract to deploy a new gigabit-capable Dark Fibre network to connect 190 public sector sites (hospitals, council buildings etc.) in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. A total of 93 sites have now been completed, supported by 153km of new underground fibre cable.

This project, which is focused on the Aberdeen City and surrounding areas, ultimately expects to deploy up to 275km of new fibre by completion (i.e. it’s now at the midway point). During this latest phase (segment three) the team opted to re-prioritise the schedule and accelerated delivery plans on a corporate building intended for use as a COVID-19 vaccination centre.

By prioritising the laying of fibre in this location, Neos Networks completed it early and ensured that it could be used as an operational vaccination centre without disruption – an impressive feat, given the pandemic restrictions and the severe weather conditions in Aberdeenshire over the period.

Segment four is now underway and due for completion by September 2021, with the whole project still set to be fully completed in March 2022.

Lorna Ormiston, Programme Director for Neos Networks, said:

“We’re excited and pleased with the significant and timely progress we are making on the Aberdeenshire full fibre network project, helping to underpin Scotland’s digital ambitions and boost economic activity in the area. I’m very proud of the Aberdeenshire team to have made such substantial progress this year, despite challenging circumstances, including flooding in February after heavy rain and snow. We are well on track to complete the rest of the project on time and on budget despite all work having been completed during the pandemic.”

We should add that the rollout will actually harness 43km of their existing Dark Fibre to reduce the amount of construction required, with the rest being new fibre.