CityFibre Launches £195m Project Gigabit Broadband Expansion Across Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire adn Milton Keynes
cityfibre, teh UK’s largest self-reliant full-fibre platform, has commenced construction on a major £195 million Project Gigabit broadband infrastructure expansion across Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, and Milton keynes. This meaningful investment aims to bring lightning-fast internet connectivity to over 265,000 homes and businesses across these regions.
Project Overview and Investment Details
The ambitious broadband rollout represents one of the largest public-private telecommunications partnerships in the region. CityFibre secured the contract through the government’s £5 billion Project Gigabit program, wich targets bringing next-generation connectivity to harder-to-reach areas across the UK.
Key project highlights include:
• Total investment of £195 million
• Coverage for 265,000+ premises
• Focus on previously underserved areas
• Creation of local employment opportunities
• Expected completion by 2025
Regional Impact and Coverage Areas
The network expansion encompasses several key locations:
| Region | Coverage Area |
|---|---|
| bedfordshire | Bedford, Luton, and surrounding areas |
| Northamptonshire | Northampton, Wellingborough, kettering |
| Milton Keynes | City-wide coverage including suburban areas |
Technical Specifications and Infrastructure
The new network will deliver:
• Gigabit-capable speeds (1,000 Mbps)
• Full-fibre infrastructure
• Future-proof technology
• Symmetric upload and download speeds
• Enhanced reliability compared to legacy copper networks
Economic and Social Benefits
The project is expected to generate ample economic benefits:
• Creation of hundreds of local construction jobs
• enhanced digital connectivity for businesses
• Improved home working capabilities
• Better access to digital services
• Increased property values in connected areas
implementation Timeline
CityFibre has outlined a phased approach to the network rollout:
• initial construction began in Q1 2024
• Progressive expansion across all regions
• Regular community updates and engagement
• Coordinated work with local authorities
• Minimal disruption strategies in place
Partnership and Collaboration
The project involves collaboration between:
• CityFibre as the primary network provider
• Local authorities in each region
• Building Digital UK (BDUK)
• Internet Service Providers (ISPs)
• Local construction partners
This transformative project represents a significant step forward in the UK’s digital infrastructure advancement, bringing world-class connectivity to thousands of homes and businesses across these three key regions.
