Helping Southend achieve its smart city ambitions , CityFibre is bringing economic benefits to residents while transforming the city into a UK tech leader .

CityFibre is building a brand new full-fibre network across UK towns and cities – earning them the accolade of being the first nationwide network specifically designed and purpose-built for the data age .

Not only is CityFibre the UK ’ s largest independent , fibre-only network , but it ’ s also backed by many of the world ’ s leading financial institutions , funding from which is being invested into delivering its ambitious 2025 goals . By 2025 , CityFibre ’ s rollout will reach eight million homes , 800,000 businesses , 400,000 public sector sites and 250,000 5G mobile sites .

CityFibre ’ s partnership with Southend-on-Sea City Council

Southend-on-Sea is an area of significant investment for CityFibre , and this partnership has come at a critical period of digitisation for the city . “ CityFibre ’ s initial investment in Southend was £ 30mn . However , within months , we identified great potential and demand across the city ,” explained Jean Gowin , the

CityFibre Area Manager for Southend . “ We therefore increased our investment to

£ 50mn , enabling the building of an even bigger city-wide network .”

As their collaboration helps the city leap forward towards digitalisation , CityFibre and

Southend-on-Sea City Council continue to build their strong working partnership . “ CityFibre ’ s partnership with Southend City Council began back in 2016 , when they signed a 10-year contract to deliver nearly 200 dark fibre connections to many of their assets , including council buildings , schools and CCTV poles ,” said Gowin .

“ CityFibre has enabled Southend to achieve its digital and smart city ambitions , bringing projects such as community WiFi , telemedicine , social care home monitoring , smart cars and smart logistics to life .”

There are huge economic benefits to residents and businesses of Southend , thanks to this fullfibre rollout . CityFibre recently commissioned an independent report which measured home value increases , productivity improvements , healthcare benefits and many more .

“ CityFibre has worked closely with Southend in all aspects of the project , from the practicalities of the physical build to delivering its smart city ambitions ,” Gowin concluded . “ Working well with the local authority is key to the success of CityFibre builds , and Southend have been an amazing example of a collaborative and forward-thinking council .”