WORK has started on a £30million project to bring the next generation of broadband to Poole and Christchurch.

CityFibre, which is already working on a full-fibre network in Bournemouth, has expanded its work to serve almost every home and business in the BCP Council area.

The company says the project will be worth millions in economic benefit to the area and give residents access to the UK’s fastest broadband.

It will also provide the platform for “smart city” technology and 5G mobile.

CityFibre to bring full fibre broadband to Poole and Christchurch

Lucy Cooper, CityFibre’s city manager for Bournemouth, said: “Bournemouth was among the first UK cities to be earmarked for investment as part of our Gigabit City Investment programme, so it’s really exciting to be extending this project into Christchurch and Poole.

“As a native to Poole, I am very keen that residents and businesses across the entire district can benefit from our network too.

“As the fastest, highest capacity and most reliable network technology available, full fibre will be key to ensuring that our digital needs and data demands continue to be met as we progress into the future. Our world has never been more connected, and our need for broadband services we can depend on is only going to grow and become more critical.”

CityFibre's faster broadband 'worth hundreds of millions'

Construction work is being done by CCN Communications Ltd an CityFibre has pledged to work with the council and local people on a “fast and successful rollout”. Letters will go out to residents before work starts in their streets.

BCP Council deputy leader Cllr Philip Broadhead: “We welcome this additional private investment by CityFibre into Christchurch and Poole as we see it build on the success of Bournemouth’s full fibre journey since 2019. The entire project is delivering a modern, fit-for-purpose digital infrastructure that will future-proof residents and businesses for years to come.

“BCP Council continues to work closely with the private sector to facilitate economic growth in the digital age, and CityFibre’s full fibre network will be vital in ensuring that where we live and work has a resilient and dynamic future-proof economy.”

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When the network is active, residents will be able to choose from a range of broadband providers. Vodafone was the original “launch partner” and TalkTalk is expected to join the network soon.

Residents can register with CityFibre to receive information when services are available at cityfibre.com/residential