EDINBURGH’S broadband provision has been boosted with the news that CityFibre has agreed a deal with Amey to extend its 150km network to homes and businesses across the city. On completion, the communications infrastructure is expected to total over 2100km of network.
The partnership marks one of CityFibre’s first with construction companies as it accelerates plans to reach five million homes by 2025.
CityFibre added that its total investment in the project is estimated to exceed £100 million. Preparatory construction work started in November. Amey is looking to create around 300 local jobs over the project’s lifespan in roles such as team leader, site supervisor, operative, administrator, project manager, and quantity surveyor. This project has been tipped to provide a direct economic impact of over £50 million and unlock a long-term impact of over £4.3 billion to the city’s economy.
The announcement follows news that CityFibre has raised £1.12 billion of debt to fund the first part of its £2.5 billion investment plan to provide full fibre access to at least 20% of the UK market.
Greg Mesch, chief executive at CityFibre said, “Amey has a formidable reputation in the sector and we are delighted to have them onboard for our flagship Gigabit City rollout in Edinburgh. This project represents a long, stable, city-wide build that will enable Amey to resource confidently and deliver at pace. This is expected to be the start of our partnership and that it will soon expand to cover further city builds across the country.”
Andy Milner, chief executive at Amey added, “We’re delighted that CityFibre has chosen Amey to transform the broadband provision in Edinburgh. As a trusted provider of utility services, we’re looking forward to working with CityFibre on this flagship project in a transparent and collaborative way, to deliver a service that adds value, benefits local residents and in turn helps Edinburgh become a truly intelligently connected city.”
Councillor Lezley Marion Cameron, housing and economy vice convener commented, “Becoming a globally competitive digital city, and the data capital of Europe is a key priority of Edinburgh’s Economy Strategy. This continuing investment will see more Edinburgh citizens experience a transformation of their online world at home. For the wider Edinburgh economy, this brings increased productivity, employment opportunities, innovation and helps facilitate and underpins delivery of our Economy Strategy. As this project progresses we will work with CityFibre to minimise any disruption to residents and businesses.”
