Broadband firm Fibrus has completed its first GB project, installing gigabit-capable broadband in rural Cumbria.
Fibrus won the government-funded Project Gigabit contract, worth £108m, last year with a remit for the provision of full-fibre broadband to around 60,000 premises in the area.
It has taken six months for residents in Staveley to experience the benefits of what is the fastest broadband on the market using new technology, XGS-PON, provided by Fibrus.
It means all newly connected properties in Staveley can enjoy broadband speeds of up to 2Gbps.
Project Gigabit is the biggest broadband roll-out in British history, backed with £5bn from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) to deliver lightning-fast broadband connections to hard-to-reach and rural areas that would otherwise have missed out.
Fibrus’ Chief Delivery Officer Conor Harrison said: “From signing the contract late last year, to connecting the first homes in Staveley within six months illustrates the high speed of delivery with which Fibrus has become synonymous.
“The efficient execution of this work is testament to the commitment, dedication, and skill of our team members, who are equipped and ready to deliver full-fibre broadband to the people of Cumbria.
“Fibrus is privileged to be involved in this transformative project which will change the lives of people living in this part of rural and regional England. We will continue to work hard to fulfil our obligations under this exciting project.”
Minister for Data and Digital Infrastructure, Sir John Whittingdale, said: “A modern digital infrastructure unlocks opportunity and powers productivity. Our £5bn investment in Project Gigabit ensures every corner of the country has access to fast, reliable connectivity - levelling the playing field for years to come”.
In the north, Fibrus is currently well over halfway through Project Stratum, a £197m contract to deliver gigabit-capable broadband to some 85,000 hard-to-reach homes and businesses in the region.
The collaboration, which was part-financed by the UK Government and the Executive, means that already over 50,000 premises have access to full-fibre gigabit-capable broadband.
With plans to invest £700m, Fibrus says it remains focused on bringing full-fibre broadband to homes and businesses in remote UK towns and villages that need it most.
The company – which by last month had delivered full fibre to 250,000 UK homes – also said it hoped the investment in network quality and customer experience will enable it to continue to grow access to achieve its target of one million premises in the future.
