Study indicates huge economic potential unlocked by gigabit-speed full fibre broadband roll-out in Edinburgh

Edinburgh could be in for a multi-million pound windfall according to a new report, which has calculated the potential economic impact that could be unlocked following the roll-out of the city’s new full fibre network by CityFibre, as part of its strategic national partnership with Vodafone.

The study by economic consultancy Regeneris examined how the economy is likely to benefit from full fibre connectivity, quantifying the impact to the city over a 15 year period.

According to researchers, Edinburgh’s homeowners and wider property market can expect to reap huge rewards. Up to £188m could be added to the value of local homes, as access to reliable, high speed broadband becomes ever-more critical to buyers.

Smart City initiatives including home automation technologies, smart energy networks and intelligent transportation systems, could add as much as £185m locally too; while digital enhancements in the delivery of healthcare services could be worth £27m.

The city’s business community stands to benefit enormously as well. Access to gigabit-speed full fibre connectivity could unlock £187m in business productivity and innovation, with companies able to develop and promote new, richer products and services online and benefit from greater exposure to the international marketplace. As one of the first cities in Scotland to benefit from earlier investment from CityFibre, businesses across Edinburgh are already light years ahead, having been early adopters of full fibre.

A further £74m in growth could be driven from new business start-ups, with enhanced connectivity making it easier and less expensive to set up base and run efficiently. Edinburgh has already been lauded for its high start-up rate – and its full fibre offering can only add to this proposition.

The increased ability for companies to support flexible working could also add £67m. This will not only help to reduce barriers to work, but improve employees’ work-life balance which in turn improves motivation and retention.

Crucially the network roll-out itself is expected to drive £54m in direct economic growth, employing up to 200 people in the construction and civil engineering sectors throughout the duration of the project.

Speaking of the report, Simon Hooton, Director at Regeneris, said: “Our findings clearly indicate that full fibre will provide the core infrastructure required to kick start the next-generation of digital technology and drive expansion of smart infrastructure in towns and cities where it is deployed. The result will be a modernised, more productive and innovative UK economy.”

Edinburgh is already ahead of the game following its announcement as one of the first locations to benefit from CityFibre and Vodafone’s strategic partnership, which will bring ultrafast Gigabit-capable full fibre broadband to up to at least one million UK homes and businesses by 2021.

Greg Mesch, CEO at CityFibre, explained: “As a flagship Gigabit City with a growing full fibre network, Edinburgh is embarking on a digital transformation that will benefit the entire community and enhance its standing as a globally leading digital city. This is about more than just broadband; it’s about a full fibre future set to benefit our economy for decades to come. As this report shows, Edinburgh can expect massive economic rewards as a result of the full fibre roll out to nearly every premises in the city.”

To find out more about CityFibre visit: www.cityfibre.com