Middlesbrough is to benefit from an investment of over GBP42 million (US$55.25 million) as part of CityFibre’s plans to help replace the UK’s legacy copper networks with gigabit-capable full fiber-optic connectivity.

The state-of-the-art infrastructure is forecast to boost business productivity and innovation, deliver millions of pounds in economic benefits for Middlesbrough and help the region to recover from the economic downturn – while giving residents and businesses access to the UK’s fastest broadband services of up to 1,000 megabytes per second.

Detailed planning is already underway as CityFibre designs a network capable of serving Middlesbrough’s current and future demands. Upon completion, the network will be in reach of nearly every home and business in the area, providing a platform for a new generation of “smart city” applications and the roll-out of 5G mobile services.

MAP Group (UK) is constructing the network on behalf of CityFibre. The company, based in Stockton-on-Tees, will use modern build techniques, including, where possible, utilizing existing underground and overground infrastructure to ensure a fast and successful roll-out. Their teams are following social distancing protocols to ensure their own safety, as well as that of the general public.

CityFibre will be engaging with Middlesbrough Council and local communities to ensure a fast and successful roll-out. Ward Councillors will be briefed on plans for the local community and residents are being kept informed by door-to-door teams and mailings ahead of works commencing in their streets.

The network is not yet live but once activated, services will be available from an increasing range of Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to deliver next-generation broadband services.