BDUK Expands CityFibre’s Norfolk Project Gigabit Broadband coverage
Building Digital UK (BDUK) has announced a significant expansion of CityFibre’s Project Gigabit broadband rollout in Norfolk, marking a major step forward in the UK’s digital infrastructure advancement.
Project Overview and expansion Details
CityFibre, in collaboration with BDUK, is set to extend its gigabit-capable Fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) network to reach an additional 28,000 premises across Norfolk. This expansion focuses primarily on rural and hard-to-reach areas, building upon CityFibre’s existing commercial deployment plans in the region.
Technical Implementation and Coverage
The network expansion will utilize the following technical specifications:
| Network type | FTTP (fibre-to-the-Premises) |
| Speed Capability | Up to 1Gbps symmetric |
| Coverage Extension | 28,000 additional premises |
government investment and Support
The expansion is part of the UK government’s £5 billion Project Gigabit program, which aims to deliver fast and reliable broadband to harder-to-reach areas across the country. This initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment to bridging the digital divide between urban and rural communities.
Timeline and Implementation
The rollout is scheduled to commence following detailed planning and surveying phases. Key milestones include:
• Initial planning and survey work in Q1 2024
• Construction commencement in targeted areas
• Progressive network activation throughout the deployment period
• Completion targets aligned with Project Gigabit objectives
economic and Social Impact
This expansion is expected to bring significant benefits to Norfolk’s communities:
• Enhanced connectivity for remote working opportunities
• Improved access to digital services
• Increased property values in connected areas
• Better support for local businesses and digital innovation
• Reduced digital exclusion in rural communities
Service Provider Accessibility
The network will operate on an open-access basis, allowing multiple Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to offer services over the infrastructure. This approach ensures competitive pricing and service options for consumers.
Infrastructure and Technology
The deployment will utilize:
• Modern fiber optic technology
• Future-proof infrastructure capable of handling increasing bandwidth demands
• Sustainable installation methods to minimize environmental impact
• Resilient network architecture for reliable service delivery
This expansion represents a significant milestone in Norfolk’s digital change, aligning with the UK’s broader goals for nationwide gigabit connectivity. the project demonstrates the prosperous collaboration between public and private sectors in delivering essential digital infrastructure to communities that need it most.
Future Prospects
The expansion lays the groundwork for:
• Further digital infrastructure development in the region
• Enhanced economic growth opportunities
• Improved public service delivery
• Increased digital inclusion across Norfolk’s communities
This strategic investment in Norfolk’s digital infrastructure positions the region for continued growth and development in the increasingly connected global economy.
