SSE Enterprise Telecoms has won a £10.5 million contract from Aberdeenshire Council to supply full fibre to hospitals, schools and businesses.
The telecoms arm of Perth-based SSE Plc– owner of Scottish Hydroelectric – said the 18-month project combines its existing extensive fibre network with physical infrastructure access (PIA) to create a new dark fibre network, allowing for quicker delivery and realisation of economic and social benefits in the area.
The project, which comes under the banner of the Aberdeen City Region Deal (ACRD), will provide around 200km of gigabit dark fibre, or available optic fibre, to public sector locations such as schools and NHS sites in a number of towns in a belt around Aberdeen.
Aberdeenshire Council, Aberdeen City Council and NHS Grampian will benefit directly as the users of the fibre to deliver services and improve efficiency.
Jim Gifford, chair of the Aberdeen City Region Deal Joint Committee, and leader of Aberdeenshire Council said: “The digital elements of our City Region Deal are among the most important, in terms of helping businesses and communities see a demonstrable change thanks to the deal.
“The ACRD remains about being progressive, delivering tangible benefits and laying out a road map for the future to ensure the ongoing stability of our region. We can all agree that in the current circumstances that is almost more important than ever.”
SSE Enterprise Telecoms will further invest in the infrastructure and offer capacity and services to mobile operators and internet service providers.
Martin Samuel, of SSE Enterprise Telecoms, said: “Improving the region’s digital infrastructure is key to the long-term sustainable future of the local economy.”
