CityFibre has announced it is investing at least £26 million in Eastbourne.

Work is currently underway to build a full fibre network to reach almost every home and business in the town.

The project is part of its nationwide plan to replace the country's ageing copper-based networks with gigabit-capable full fibre connectivity. Upon completion, the network is expected to boost business productivity and innovation, deliver millions in economic benefits and provide a platform for a new generation of "smart city" applications and the roll-out of 5G mobile services.

The network is not yet live, but once activated, services will be available from an increasing range of broadband providers. Across the UK CityFibre is already working with launch partner Vodafone to deliver next generation broadband services, and TalkTalk and other partners are expected to join the network soon.


CityFibre has appointed Adrian Smith as City Manager to spearhead the delivery of the Eastbourne project, which is now underway in Hampden Park. In this role, Adrian will be responsible for ensuring the state-of-the-art full fibre network is implemented with minimal disruption while delivering maximum benefit for the wider community.

Adrian will be the lead point of contact for all the town’s stakeholders and a key advocate of the wide-ranging benefits that a full fibre network will bring to Eastbourne's residents and businesses.

He said: "It's really exciting to be part of CityFibre's gigabit revolution – CityFibre is doing everything it can to transform towns and cities across the country. Our digital infrastructure plays a crucial role in growing and protecting local economies, even more so during these unprecedented times when connectivity has proven vital to residents, businesses and public services alike."

Local contractor Lanes-i is delivering the construction programme on CityFibre’s behalf. The company is using modern build techniques to deploy the network quickly while working closely with CityFibre, Eastbourne Borough Council and local communities to manage disruption and ensure a fast, successful roll-out. Residents are being kept informed by door-to-door teams and also mailings ahead of works in their streets.