VolkerSmart Technologies awarded CityFibre contracts for Swindon and Slough as part of a £56 million investment

VolkerSmart Technologies, the Smart Cities initiative from highways service provider VolkerHighways, will construct full fibre networks on behalf of CityFibre, to reach almost every home and business across Swindon and Slough. These projects will secure employment for over 100 people over the next three years.

The works will include excavating 430,000m of new trenches in Swindon and 262,000m in Slough. The teams will install ducting, before blowing, splicing and finally testing the fibre optic cables.

Making it easier for residents to work from home, the works will provide the essential infrastructure needed for almost every homes and business in Swindon and Slough to access the UK’s fastest broadband services.

Where possible, the works will involve a combined installation, incorporating both new underground trenched duct network and existing overhead infrastructure. By using a hybrid installation, the team will be able to deliver with speed and efficiency, while minimising disruption for residents.

Both Swindon and Slough are to benefit from a major investment in their digital future, as part of CityFibre’s plans to replace the nation’s legacy networks with gigabit-capable full fibre connectivity. The state-of-the-art infrastructure is expected to boost business productivity and innovation and deliver millions in economic benefits, while giving residents access to the UK’s fastest broadband services.

Alistair Thompson, managing director of VolkerHighways, said: “We are pleased to work on these additional contracts for CityFibre in Swindon and Slough, following our current contract rolling out a full-fibre network in Ipswich. It’s great to be part of an enterprise that transforms communities’ digital experiences, by giving them faster and more reliable broadband.”

James Thomas, Director of Supply Chain at CityFibre, said: “We are delighted to be extending our collaboration with VolkerSmart Technologies in Slough and Swindon in order to support the roll-out of new future-proof Full Fibre infrastructure. We believe they are capable of being a model build partner, consistently delivering a high standard of work, and at the pace we require.

“Forging long term partnerships with successful, nimble contractors that are able to scale alongside us while being prepared to work closely with the local communities we serve is a key aim for us. VolkerSmart Technologies is a great example of this and we look forward to working with them for years to come.”