Huddersfield to become one of the most digitally connected towns on the planet
This January, CityFibre began work in Huddersfield town centre to extend its existing full fibre network to almost every home and business locally, enabling residents and businesses to enjoy unlimited bandwidth and internet speeds of up to 1000Mbps.
What is our connectivity like now?
Having enjoyed Gigabit City status since 2014, Huddersfield already boasts a 52km next-generation full fibre infrastructure which is dramatically accelerating the digital capabilities of businesses, the local council, schools, libraries and community centres alike by delivering high capacity, gigabit-speed internet connectivity.
How will this happen?
Now, with a £30 million private investment from CityFibre, the network is set to extend across the town, bringing modern, fit-for-purpose infrastructure within reach of even more businesses, as well as residents, for the first time. By using fibre optic cables for every stage of the connection from the customer’s business or home to the internet, rather than aging, capacity-constrained copper cables all, or even part of, the way, users can experience a vastly superior and more reliable broadband service.
How can this help me and my area?
Full fibre is well documented for its positive impact on local economies. According to research by economic consultancy Regeneris, access to gigabit-speed full fibre could unlock £18m in business productivity and innovation in Huddersfield over a period of 15 years. A further £11m could be driven from new business start-ups, with enhanced connectivity making it easier and less expensive to set up base and run efficiently.
Residents can expect to benefit too, with the value of homes across the town set to increase by a total of £26m in the same period. While crucially the network roll-out itself is expected to drive £11m in direct economic growth, employing local talent in the construction and civil engineering sectors throughout the duration of the project.
Who will deliver the project?
We are working closely with Cityfibre, as well as local Brighouse-based contractor SDH Project Services Ltd, to ensure a fast and successful roll-out with minimum disruption to residents.
When will the project be completed
The project is due to be completed by 2021, while the first connected homes can expect to be enjoying Gigafast broadband services from Vodafone by summer this year. Work will be carried out in the following areas: Huddersfield, Newsome, Linthwaite, Lindley, Dalton, Greenhead, Colne Valley, Ashbrow, Crosland Moor and Netherton.
Greg Mesch, CEO at CityFibre, said:
“Within the next two years, CityFibre’s full fibre infrastructure will be supporting wide-scale digital transformation throughout Huddersfield – enabling schools, health and social care, businesses and public services as well as bringing the potential for vastly improved mobile network services. Full fibre will change the way citizens work, learn and play and for Huddersfield to be at the forefront of this digital future is something worth celebrating.
We want to work with as many organisations as possible to raise awareness of our plans for the town and will ensure residents are informed throughout the build process.”
Cllr Peter McBride, Kirklees Council, said:
“Kirklees Council welcomes the investment in the District, bringing first-class digital infrastructure to residents and future proofing the network for the digital age. The Council continues to work closely with the private sector to facilitate investment in high speed connectivity across the district. Digital infrastructure is vital; it is part of our Economic Strategy to ensure a resilient, future-proofed district able to take advantage of technology now and in the future.”
How can I find out more?
- To keep up to date with the Gigabit City network project in Huddersfield, visit: cityfibre.com/Huddersfield or follow @GigabitHudds on Twitter
- A 24-hour construction helpline number is available at: 0330 053 6088
- Residential services are available via Vodafone from £23 a month for existing Pay Monthly mobile customers. Register your interest in Gigafast broadband: co.uk/gigafast
- If you’re interested in a full fibre business connection, register your interest and one of Cityfibre’s partners will be in touch: cityfibre.com/connect
Tell city fibre to roll this out across Kirlees, not just the “favoured few” in Huddersfield. I am sure the residents and businesses of Dewsbury, Mirfield, Liversedge, Heckmondwike, Cleckheaton, etc. Would appreciate super fast broadband as well. After all BT don’t seem able to supply it. Kirlees is more than Huddersfield, although at times one does wonder about that.