CityFibre will invest £100 million into Edinburgh as part of an ongoing commitment to bring ‘gold-standard’ connectivity to cities in the UK.

Working with Vodafone, the project aims to give every home and business in the UK access to next-generation full fibre internet. The investment marks a significant milestone in the UK’s copper switchover, with the Westminster Government targeting nationwide adoption by 2033.

Connectivity Capital

Edinburgh is among the first cities in the UK to benefit from city-wide digital transformation efforts, and city leaders came together on 4th October to assess the project’s value. Leaders provided input on the project and underlined the importance of this move, which could propel Edinburgh to become one of the best-connected cities in the world.

CityFibre welcomed representatives from The City of Edinburgh Council, Vodafone and Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce and provided updates on the progress being made so far – as well as outlining what the ultrafast network will deliver for the city.

Greater productivity, innovation and connectivity could all help increase inward investment in the capital, CityFibre suggested.

Elaine Doherty, who was recently announced as CityFibre’s City development manager for Edinburgh, said the project has the potential to both benefit city locals while projecting a positive image for the city on a global platform.

“Edinburgh is firmly established as a digital city,” she said. “This network will allow businesses to compete on a global stage while also ensuring that households can share in the benefits. Full fibre will change the way we work, learn and play and for Edinburgh to be at the forefront of this digital future is something worth celebrating.”

Vodafone Gigafast Broadband

More than 50 stakeholders, including key council officials, business leaders and economic groups were present at the special event at the Doubletree by Hilton on Bread Street.

Guests at the event heard from Councillor Adam McVey, Leader of The City of Edinburgh Council who has earned a reputation as a champion of the ‘fibre to the premises’ project in the city.

Speaking at the event, he said: “As a city, we’re already very well connected but CityFibre’s investment will provide the infrastructure required to give thousands of households and businesses across Edinburgh access to ultrafast broadband.

“Some schools, libraries and other community facilities are already experiencing the benefits of greater connectivity but this investment will allow residents to enjoy a better digital experience in their own homes.

Vodafone has announced it will use CityFibre’s network to bring Vodafone Gigafast Broadband to the capital – a move which could rapidly boost connectivity in Edinburgh’s residential areas.

Guilhem Poussot, Head of Vodafone Gigafast Broadband, Vodafone UK, said: “By using only a full fibre network infrastructure, Vodafone Gigafast Broadband will help people living, working and visiting Edinburgh break free from the shackles of their old, copper line broadband connections. We’re bringing best-in-class, gigabit-capable broadband services to the city from spring next year, equipping homes and businesses for the future.”