The council has named CityFibre as its partner to roll out full fibre connectivity to public sector premises across the City of Wolverhampton.

It forms part of the council’s overall Digital Infrastructure Strategy to improve broadband connectivity to enable smart technology and accessibility for all, improved digital infrastructure complementing electric vehicle growth and sustainable transport.

CityFibre, the UK’s third national digital infrastructure platform, has major fibre infrastructure projects in more than 60 towns and cities throughout the UK.

They will begin roll out this spring of a full fibre network solution capable of delivering gigabit connectivity in Wolverhampton, after the council secured £4.9million government funding from the Department of Digital Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) Local Full Fibre Network project.

A full fibre network will be built to connect to public sector premises, including council sites, libraries, Wolverhampton Homes offices and schools.

It will provide opportunities for more innovative ways of delivery, efficiency and cost savings by the middle of 2021.

Taking in around 170 sites, the new network will help to upgrade the delivery of frontline public sector services, lowering operational costs and boosting productivity. It will also help meet the growing demand from residents for digital services in public buildings, support the improvement of educational resources, and bridge the digital divide.

Cabinet Member for Resources, Councillor Louise Miles, said: “Wolverhampton’s Vision for Education 2030 Commercial and Digital Transformation theme supports the development of digitally innovative and future-proofed learning environments and curriculums that ensure that our learners leave school as some of the most technologically capable young people in the country.

“Better connectivity in public buildings is essential to ensure residents are digital included.

“Our libraries are committed to giving people access to new and emerging digital technology through the provision of computers, free WiFi and other digital technologies and developing digital skills.”

Rob Hamlin, Chief Commercial Officer at CityFibre, added: “We are delighted the City of Wolverhampton Council has decided to work with CityFibre on delivering this much-needed upgrade to critical public sector infrastructure. Increasingly local authorities around the country are realising the potential of full fibre to transform places like Wolverhampton into modern, fully connected, digital cities. By choosing a full fibre network, local authorities will be able to future proof vital public sector infrastructure for generations to come.”

For more information about LFFN funding visit www.gov.uk/government/publications/local-full-fibre-networks-challenge-fund