From jamie.goodwin@hullcc.gov.uk | Thursday 9 January 2020
First phase to reach Driffield, Nafferton and Market Weighton in East Yorkshire in early 2020, with more areas to be announced throughout the year.
Hull broadband provider KCOM is to invest £100 million to bring ultrafast full-fibre broadband to thousands of properties across the region.
The firm, which completed its full-fibre rollout across its core Hull and East Yorkshire network last year, now plans to push beyond its traditional boundaries to deliver ultrafast broadband to tens of thousands more homes and businesses.
The first phase will reach Driffield, Nafferton and Market Weighton in East Yorkshire in early 2020, with more areas to be announced throughout the year.
KCOM managing director Sean Royce said: “I’m delighted to announce we’re bringing our award-winning full-fibre broadband to new areas beyond our traditional network.
“This means more people than ever will be able to access one of the best broadband services on the planet. Thousands of people in the areas we’re expanding to will now have the chance to stream, surf, download and game faster and better than anyone else in the UK - with no more buffering or delays."
“Lightstream has already had a huge impact where it is currently available in Hull and East Yorkshire, changing the way people consume the internet at home and transforming the economy for local businesses. We fully expect this good news to boost the areas we’re now reaching out to.
“This £100 million investment is a huge vote of confidence in our regional business from our new owners, who recognise the great potential this region has to grow and prosper with quality ultrafast broadband.”
Lightstream has had a substantial impact in Hull and East Yorkshire since KCOM started its rollout in 2012.
Research commissioned by KCOM shows the full-fibre network added £469m to the economy between 2012 and 2018. It added £127m in extra value to the Hull and East Yorkshire economy in 2018 alone.
KCOM’s Hull and East Yorkshire network boasts 100 per cent full-fibre coverage compared to just 10 per cent of the rest of the UK.
Councillor Daren Hale, Hull City Council’s portfolio holder for economic investment, said: “This is fantastic news for both the Hull area and for KCOM, a prestigious tech company headquartered in Hull. Hull is already the UK’s best-connected city and this investment further strengthens that position.
“Homes and businesses rely on quick, reliable broadband connectivity. Hull will benefit from faster broadband in the towns and rural areas surrounding it – many of the people living in these areas come to Hull for work and to conduct business, while many Hull residents travel to these areas for work.
“Research is already showing an undeniable boost for our economy following the rollout of full-fibre broadband in the city and this investment will help further growth in the wider Hull economy.”
