A report commissioned by CityFibre, the UK’s largest independent full-fibre platform, finds that Newcastle will be a major beneficiary of the ongoing rollout of future-proof full-fibre infrastructure across the city.
The study by consultancy Hatch, titled “Economic Impact of Full Fibre Infrastructure from CityFibre’s Network,” estimates that over a 15-year period CityFibre’s £62m investment in Newcastle will generate significant economic benefits: approximately £440m in productivity and innovation gains, £97m from an expanded workforce, and £213m from increased housing values.
The report highlights technological advantages as a key outcome of the rollout. CityFibre’s network in Newcastle is projected to unlock around £1bn in gross value added (GVA) from 5G services, £297m from Internet of Things (IoT) applications, and £185m from Smart City initiatives such as intelligent traffic management and improved street lighting.
The shift toward home and flexible working, supported by reliable full-fibre connections both at home and in the office, is also broadening the labour market accessible to employers. In Newcastle, the report estimates productivity uplifts in excess of £25m due to these changes in working patterns.
Construction of the network itself is identified as a direct contributor to local economic growth. Network build activities create jobs across CityFibre’s partners and supply chain, and wherever possible these roles will be filled by local recruits to support the rollout and maximise community benefit.
Across the UK, the analysis indicates potential economic benefits exceeding £38bn. Productivity improvements and innovation account for the largest share—more than £22bn in GVA—reflecting the well-documented positive effects that much faster and more reliable digital connectivity has on business productivity, turnover growth, and the creation of new businesses and business models.
Paul Wakefield, CityFibre’s area manager for Newcastle, commented: “This report demonstrates just how powerful and essential full fibre is as a catalyst for growth and a platform for innovation and investment. Thanks to the unprecedented scale and pace of our ongoing roll out, Newcastle has become one of the best-connected cities in the UK, ensuring its residents and businesses have the best possible infrastructure to meet all their digital demands.”
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