CityFibre has announced plans for an investment exceeding £2 billion to accelerate the nationwide rollout of full Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) across the UK.
The company was acquired in June for £538 million by Antin Infrastructure Partners and West Street Infrastructure Partners, a fund managed by Goldman Sachs. CityFibre already owns fibre infrastructure in 37 UK towns and cities, providing a strong foundation for rapid expansion.
Greg Mesch, CEO of CityFibre, said:
“With a head start in 37 towns and cities, this full fibre investment plan enables us to further accelerate our rollout, catalysing huge economic growth in regional towns and cities across the country and transforming the UK’s digital future.
Our rollout will soon bring to scale an innovative wholesale network, providing internet service providers and mobile network operators with greater choice and unrivalled technical capabilities, benefitting all sectors of the market.
We now need to work together across Government, Ofcom and industry to create a level-playing field that continues to encourage investment from multiple network operators, so that full fibre can be delivered as quickly and effectively as possible.”
CityFibre’s strategy is to deliver a faster, more future-proof broadband network than incumbent providers by running fibre directly into each home and business, rather than stopping at street cabinets. Direct fibre to the premises provides higher speeds, lower latency, and a more resilient connection suited to growing digital demands.
Installation work is already under way in locations including Milton Keynes, Peterborough, and Aberdeen, with further plans covering Bristol, Leeds, Edinburgh, and Sheffield. The company’s rollout model focuses on building wholesale infrastructure that can be accessed by multiple service providers and mobile operators, increasing consumer choice and stimulating competition.
The government has welcomed the investment as it supports official targets to expand full-fibre coverage. The UK government has a goal of reaching 15 million full-fibre broadband lines by 2025, and investments from alternative network builders are considered vital to hit that mark.
Jeremy Wright, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, commented:
“The Future Telecoms Infrastructure Review set out our plans to maximise full fibre coverage. I’m delighted that CityFibre’s investment in 37 towns and cities across the UK will ensure the vast majority of homes and businesses in those areas can access this technology through new fibre networks.
Significant investment from new network operators is critical to deliver our ambition for nationwide coverage. Through our Industrial Strategy we’re working with businesses and Ofcom to ensure effective network competition that supports investment on this scale.”
Openreach, the UK’s largest broadband operator, has pledged three million FTTP connections by 2020 and is aiming for 10 million by 2025, subject to further investment from parent company BT. If Openreach reaches 10 million connections, other network builders will still be required to cover the remaining demand needed to meet the government’s 15 million target.
CityFibre expects to deliver up to five million of the required FTTP connections by 2025. Other emerging providers, such as TrueSpeed and a range of innovative regional builders, are also expected to contribute to nationwide coverage and help address any shortfall.
The company forecasts that its investment programme will support around 5,000 construction jobs and contribute to broader economic benefits. Industry estimates suggest that widespread FTTP adoption can unlock substantial value for the UK economy through improved productivity, digital services, and enabling technologies.
By focusing on wholesale infrastructure and collaboration with service providers and mobile operators, CityFibre aims to accelerate competition, improve consumer choice, and deliver a future-ready digital network across towns and cities throughout the UK.