Inverness will enter a new age of digital technology today when it becomes the only Scottish location among 14 new “Gigabit Cities” getting ready for full-fibre 5G roll-out.
Highland Council leader Margaret Davidson has welcomed the announcement by CityFibre, an alternative provider of full-fibre infrastructure in the UK.
They have confirmed that 14 towns and cities, including Inverness, are to benefit for full fibre deployment.
They will join its ‘Gigabit City Club’, alongside the 12 cities already announced, including Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Stirling, and form the next phase in CityFibre’s £2.5bn investment plan to bring competitive fibre technology to at least five million homes, more than 20% of the UK market.
Councillor Davidson said: “We are delighted to see Inverness confirmed as part of CityFibre’s national full fibre roll-out.
“Digital infrastructure, fit for the 21st century, is critical to Inverness’ future – a city-wide roll-out of full fibre from CityFibre will ensure we have the best possible platform.
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“The full roll-out builds on work led by the council on an ultrafast network for the public sector. Full fibre delivers the potential to transform how we communicate, the way we live and work, it will drive economic growth and innovation and help our communities and businesses thrive in a rapidly changing world.”
CityFibre bosses confirmed they will continue to work closely with every local authority to accelerate the roll-outs.
The firm has commenced network design and is already investing in every location, extending its existing full fibre infrastructure serving schools, hospitals and council offices, to reach nearly every home and business.
Each Gigabit City design will include enough fibre capacity to serve the bandwidth demands of all market verticals far into the future. The networks are designed to be ready for 5G small cell densification.
Construction is now underway in the majority of the locations with gigabit-capable broadband services to soon be available on sale to customers.
CityFibre chief executive Greg Mesch said: “Our sole purpose is to deliver the future-proof digital infrastructure the UK deserves.
“With a new Prime Minister set to increase government’s ambitions for the pace of full fibre roll-out, we are delighted to welcome another 14 towns and cities to our Gigabit City Club.
“These Gigabit Cities will not only gain new full fibre networks that will spark their digital transformation, but also unleash the benefits that only competitive infrastructure investment can bring.”
