Leading figures from across Edinburgh have been given a glimpse of the potential offered by full fibre digital infrastructure – ahead of construction work beginning this autumn.

CityFibre is investing £100m into Edinburgh as part of a commitment to bring the gold-standard connectivity to cities up and down the UK. Working in partnership with Vodafone, the project will see almost every home and business able to access next-generation full fibre connectivity. The investment marks a major milestone in the UK’s ‘copper switchover’, with the government targeting full adoption across the country by 2033.

With Edinburgh among the first cities in the UK to benefit from a city-wide digital transformation, city leaders came together today (Thurs 4) to discover more about the project – and give their input on how it can catapult Edinburgh into a leadership position as one of the best connected cities in the world.

Joined by representatives of The City of Edinburgh Council, Vodafone and Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, CityFibre updated guests on the progress being made in the project and what the ultrafast network will help deliver for the city – from greater innovation and productivity to increased inward investment. Vodafone also gave attendees an overview of the next generation services they will be offering to consumers from spring next year.

In total, more than 50 stakeholders – including key council officers, elected members, business leaders, economic development groups and figures from the education, property and third sectors – were present at the special event at the Doubletree by Hilton on Bread Street.

Elaine Doherty, CityFibre’s City Development Manager for Edinburgh, said: “Edinburgh is firmly established as a digital city, and 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.”

Guests at the event heard from Councillor Adam McVey, Leader of The City of Edinburgh Council and a strong proponent of the ‘fibre to the premises’ project in Scotland’s capital.

L-R: Guilhem Poussot, Head of Vodafone Gigafast Broadband, Vodafone UK, Elaine Doherty, CityFibre’s City Development Manager for Edinburgh and  Councillor Adam McVey, Leader of The City of Edinburgh Council.

Council Leader Adam McVey 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. It was great to hear more about the roll out at today’s event. We’ll work closely with CityFibre to ensure it is as smooth as it can be and that everyone is kept fully up-to-date with their plans.”

Vodafone will use CityFibre’s network to bring Vodafone Gigafast Broadband to residential customers in Edinburgh.

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.”

To find out more about Vodafone Gigafast Broadband and to register your interest visit: www.vodafone.co.uk/gigafast

To find out more about CityFibre’s Gigabit City vision for Edinburgh visit: www.cityfibre.com/edinburgh