Work to transform Medway into one of the world’s best digitally connected regions is now underway. **

** Medway is celebrating a major milestone in its digital transformation today as work begins on a full fibre network which will reach almost every home and business locally.

This will see the region benefit from a private investment of £40m, as part of CityFibre’s plans to replace the nation’s ageing copper-based networks with gigabit-capable full fibre connectivity.

The state-of-the-art infrastructure is expected to boost business productivity and innovation and deliver millions in economic benefit for the region, while giving residents access to the UK’s fastest broadband services.

Construction work has officially commenced in Twydall and Rainham Central with Lanes Infrastructure delivering the construction programme on CityFibre’s behalf. Work on the overall project is expected to be completed by the end of 2023.

CityFibre is working in close partnership with Medway Council to maximise the benefits of the project and will be using modern build techniques to deploy the network quickly and manage potential disruption to residents.

Once activated, services will be available from an increasing range of broadband providers. As Medway becomes the latest part of the UK to join the full fibre revolution, CityFibre has plans to pass up to eight million premises as part of the Gigabit City Investment Programme. Currently, full fibre connectivity is only available to less than 20 per cent of UK properties.

Speaking of the project, Aideen Sadler, CityFibre’s City Manager for Medway, said: “Digital connectivity has never been more important. Our Full Fibre network will not only benefit businesses in the region but also households – something which is particularly vital with us spending more time in our homes than ever.

“Full Fibre broadband will help households access all the latest entertainment at lightning speed, but the benefits are far deeper than that – from enabling smart home technology to giving people the freedom to work from home with ease.

“With our construction partners at Lanes Infrastructure, we will do everything possible to minimise disruption as we begin to roll out this game-changing technology, which will future-proof Medway and lay the foundations for its digital transformation, whilst enabling vital economic recovery.”

Medway Council Leader, Cllr Alan Jarrett, commented : “We welcome this private investment by CityFibre into Medway to deliver a modern, fit-for-purpose digital infrastructure that will futureproof residents’ homes and businesses.

“Facilitating and promoting economic growth in the digital age is an important step in our ambitious vision for the future of Medway, helping our businesses to thrive and positioning Medway as a great place to be located. CityFibre’s full fibre network will be vital in ensuring Medway has a resilient and dynamic economy for years to come, as well as giving our residents access to the best and fastest digital services.”