Home   News   Article

Bid to ensure new developments will not be left out by broadband roll out in Highland capital


By Calum MacLeod

Easier access to your trusted, local news. Subscribe to a digital package and support local news publishing.



Click here to sign up to our free newsletters!
CityFibre's full-fibre broadband roll out has now gone live in some areas in the east of the city.
CityFibre's full-fibre broadband roll out has now gone live in some areas in the east of the city.

Inverness is amongst the first cities to where CityFibre is rolling out Fibre-to-the Premises (FTTP) broadband as part of a £4 billion UK-wide investment programme.

The network has already gone live in some areas on the eastern side of the city, but with CityFibre's broadband project coinciding with a number of new housing developments, the infrastructure provider is looking at ways of ensuring the Highland capital's newest homes are also connected.

"We are really keen to ensure we get into new build developments," Allan McEwan, CityFibre's north of Scotland city manager, said.

"We have had success with that in places like Aberdeen, but we need to have more engagement with developers in Inverness.

"It would be a shame if we rolled this out across the city and there were small pockets, whether new build or whatever, that don't have access and really, if it is a new build site, the last thing that developers want is people moving in and not having great connectivity. Ideally we want to get our ducts in the ground when they are first getting underway with groundworks on a new site, but if we have just missed that stage, there are still opportunities to get in there."

Mr MacEwan estimates that city wide roll out would be completed within the next to 12 to 18 months, but CityFibre will maintain a presence in Inverness after that to connect any remaining gaps.

It will also be looking at ways to connect properties beyond the reach of the new cables.

"It might not be feasible to build to an individual cottage if it's a few hundred metres away from our network, so there might be other options," he explained.

"It might be that we could potentially access existing OpenReach ducts, but it's really just a case of looking at the circumstances on a case by case basis and seeing if there is any feasibility of connection and what the options are.

"There are technologies available. There is a smaller fibre exchange – a fibre activated cabinet (FAC) – and we can utilise those to get slightly further away from the fibre exchange.

"We will also be looking at how we can expand the network and not just geographically, but ensuring that as many people as possible are utilising the network and benefitting from what has been rolled out."

Although pandemic restrictions have caused disruption, the commitment of the UK and Scottish governments to the roll out and the added importance of connectivity during lockdown ensured that work carried on.

"Obviously we have had to put additional measures into place and make sure our people and our contractors are operating in a slightly different way, but thankfully it's nothing that has really had too much of an impact. We have been making some really good progress," Mr MacEwan said.

Allan McEwan, CityFibre's Inverness city manager.
Allan McEwan, CityFibre's Inverness city manager.

CityFibre has launched a new postcode checker on its website allowing potential customers to see when the improved broadband capability will reach their area and allow them to place an order. It also helps the company keep track of potential demand.

Although the network will be available to other internet service providers (ISPs), CityFibre has been working with family owned Inverness ISP company HighNet, which has launched its first network aimed at domestic customers, BrawBand.

Mr MacEwan added: "It is really exciting knowing we are helping new businesses to start up on the network. They've been brilliant and their branding is great."

Alongside its work to connect private and commercial customers, CityFibre is also rolling out its public sector delivery which will connect up to 150 sites across Inverness, Thurso, Wick and Fort William for public bodies including Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, NHS Highland, the University of the Highlands and Islands and NatureScot.

Once completed, the FTTP system will bring benefits for individuals, businesses and the community as a whole, Mr MacEwan added.

"The thing most people can relate to is obviously having fast, reliable connectivity, but obviously what we are rolling out is about so much more than than," he said.

"Once businesses are able to start connecting, it will help them to be more efficient and more productive. We want the network to be utilised for Smart City technologies as well. That could b things like improving the flow or traffic or improving the safety of people on streets and even the air quality. There are so many opportunities with a backbone fullfibre network and once it's there the network is fit for purpose for many decades and is going to benefit generations to come."

For more, see the May edition of Executive, the north's own business magazine


Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.



This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More