Gigabit City status set to spark digital growth in Leicester and Nottingham

A provider of alternative network infrastructure, CityFibre, is set give businesses access to next-generation internet connectivity for the very first time.

Local businesses will soon be able to access full-fibre connectivity after CityFibre announced Leicester and Nottingham’s transformation into Gigabit Cities following a complete upgrade to their digital infrastructure. With a modern full fibre infrastructure currently available to just two per cent of UK premises, businesses across the area can now access affordable and near-unlimited internet speeds, says CityFibre

CityFibre’s investment will also serve to bolster digital growth in the Midlands region. According to the latest Tech Nation Report from Tech City, the body charged with accelerating the UK’s digital economy, Leicester’s digital sector is developing fast as the city becomes a hub for high-tech businesses, supported by the University of Leicester and De Montfort’s University’s Innovation Centre and events such as the Leicester Startup Weekend.

Meanwhile, Nottingham is highly optimistic about its potential for digital growth, with recent investments including a new £2m data centre and the creation of a city centre hub for digital tech businesses.

Gigabit City status will help to boost both cities’ digital potential by driving investment, inspiring new business start-ups and encouraging the development of digital skills as well as future-proofing communications infrastructure and paving the way for smart city innovations such as smart street lighting, HD CCTV, traffic management systems and e-learning opportunities in schools.

CityFibre is now calling for local businesses to register their interest to find out more about Leicester and Nottingham’s networks, their capabilities and how they can support their digital ambitions, before they go live this autumn. Connections can be secured by telecoms service provider Onecom, an experienced CityFibre partner which is also providing services via Southend and Coventry’s Gigabit City networks.

At present, connections across Leicester are available to around 2,000 businesses between Ratby Lane in the west and Humberstone Road in the east, via Dane Hills, Frog Island and the City Centre, including the University of Leicester.

Across Nottingham, up to 3,000 businesses between Wollaton and Carlton are within reach of the new infrastructure. This includes those based in Arnold, Daybrook, Woodthorpe, Forest Fields, Hyson Green, Nottingham Trent University, Queens Medical Centre, West Bridgford and Clifton Boulevard.

Rob Hamlin, commercial director at CityFibre, said: “Leicester and Nottingham are hugely ambitious cities with thriving business communities, but, their potential as leading players in the UK’s digital economy is currently being stifled by poor connectivity. While the Midlands Engine Strategy focuses on transport and manufacturing infrastructure, it’s vital that all plans for growth and development acknowledge the importance of reliable, future-proof connectivity as new industries emerge and traditional industries evolve to meet the demands of the digital age.

“We’ve been rolling out full-fibre infrastructure to a number of cities across the Midlands helping the entire region reach its digital potential. Our investment in Leicester and Nottingham will stand to give city businesses and services a modern foundation for growth, investment and innovation and a proven toolkit for increased efficiency, productivity and competitiveness. Together, these elements form the building blocks of a thriving regional economy and sustainable growth and position both cities alongside some of the most connected locations in the UK and the world.”

Brendan Moffett, chief executive at Invest Nottingham, added: “Nottingham is the fastest-growing city in the East Midlands and Gigabit City status is another step in supporting the city as a major centre for tech development and business excellence. With over £1 billion invested in Nottingham’s infrastructure, the implementation of full-fibre connectivity throughout the city will further serve to position Nottingham as a capital for digital growth.”