Digital infrastructure firm to invest £62m in Sunderland fibre network

A digital infrastructure company has announced that it is investing more than £60m to help create new fibre networks in Sunderland.

The £62m investment is part of CityFibre’s plans to help replace the UK’s legacy copper networks with gigabit-capable full fibre connectivity.

The infrastructure is forecast to boost business productivity and innovation, and the company says that it will deliver millions of pounds in economic benefits for Sunderland.

The project is set to begin in the middle of this year.

Jason Legget, city manager at CityFibre, commented: “It’s exciting to look to the future and what our £62m Sunderland Full Fibre network build investment will bring.

“We are working in close partnership with Sunderland City Council to transform the area’s digital infrastructure, ensuring that the digital needs of those working and living in the region are met now, and in the future.”

Patrick Melia, chief executive at Sunderland City Council, said: “The last 12 months have seen real progress across our smart city, culminating in Sunderland being crowned Smart City of the Year 2020 in the Digital Leaders 100 List.

“Accolades such as this are getting Sunderland noticed as a serious player globally as a digital leader with opportunities for investment, whilst firmly positioning our fantastic city as a healthy, happy place to live, work and play.

“The announcement of this huge investment from our valued partners at CityFibre will continue our citywide digital transformation, advancing opportunities for our residents, businesses, educators and healthcare providers through a truly transformative full fibre network.”

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