- Completes 275 kilometre City and Regional smart fibre network
- Almost 200 public sector and community locations covered
NEOS Networks, one of the UK’s leading business connectivity providers, today confirmed it had completed the full fibre network project across Aberdeen City and the wider Aberdeenshire Region.
The project, underpinned by a 20-year contract, was delivered in partnership between Neos, Aberdeenshire Council, Aberdeen City Council and NHS Grampian under the Aberdeen City Region Deal. Announced less than two years ago, the project represented a major investment and commitment to bring full-fibre connectivity to the region in order to boost economic activity and quality of life as well as improve the delivery of public services.
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The dark fibre network stretches for some 275km and links six major locations – Aberdeen, Westhill, Stonehaven, Banchory, Inverurie and Ellon as well as the smaller communities in between. The new network will connect some 192 public sector buildings, and be within reach of 44,000 homes, and 1,700 business premises. The project is the result of a combined regional investment of £10.5m including contributions from the UK and Scottish governments.
“To have delivered the full fibre network, in this time frame, given all the challenges of the pandemic and various lockdowns, has been truly remarkable,” said Sarah Mills, Chief Revenue Officer, Neos Networks. “Vital, and regionally important sites such as the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, 40-plus medical centres, as well as more than 50 schools and colleges, are supported by the new fibre network. Ultimately, the network will provide access that is critical to stimulating business growth and attracting investment in the region.”
The almost limitless capacity of the dark fibre network will enable GP surgeries to share records and undertake video consultations, as well as providing better connectivity for remote working and virtual teaching. Indeed, the project has included a significant commitment to education and training within the local community. Neos has been visiting local schools, delivering work placements, guest lecturing for higher education students and has created seven full-time apprenticeships. In addition, Neos have held a STEM careers event and ran the Engineering Development Trust Industrial Cadets online programme.
Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Councillor Alex Nicoll said: “The £10.5m Full Fibre Project has transformed connectivity to our public sector sites throughout the region. Additionally, it has given the contractor the opportunity to offer services to local businesses and residents to access far better connectivity in areas that were poorly served previously. I was very pleased that as a result, the investment is also delivering significant community benefits which was recognised by winning the Go Awards Social Value Category demonstrating robust and progressive approaches to fair work practices. Having delivered two out of three digital projects funded by the Deal our focus is now on delivering the final phase which will deliver even more digital connectivity in the region.”
Cllr Anne Stirling is the Aberdeenshire Deputy Leader, and vice-chair of the Joint Committee. She said: “It can be hard to really understand a lot of the scale and aspiration of projects like City Region Deals but improving connectivity for communities and helping improve public services through better digital connections is something tangible. The benefits of the full fibre network will touch healthcare, schools, homes, businesses in the Deal area and it is so positive to see another project coming to completion under our City Region Deal.”
