In a landmark deal lasting 17 years, Edinburgh-headquartered Commsworld is partnering with CityFibre, the UK’s third national digital infrastructure platform, to rollout full fibre connectivity to approximately 180 council buildings including schools, local libraries and community centres, as well the region’s CCTV and traffic control systems.
CityFibre will design, build, operate and own more than 80% of the new network, with Commsworld delivering connectivity to the remaining sites and providing all services over the new network.
Once completed, the full fibre network will transform Renfrewshire Council’s delivery of a range of frontline public sector services. School children will be significant beneficiaries with far faster and more reliable access to the internet. The full fibre network will also provide a future-proof platform for decades to come.
Construction in Renfrewshire is set to begin this summer creating a core network of approximately 130km. CityFibre will be connecting public sector sites in Johnstone, Linwood, Paisley and Renfrew, whilst Commsworld will build full-fibre connectivity directly to sites in Bishopton, Bridge of Weir, Erskine, Houston and Inchinnan.
This deal is the largest public sector contract agreed in the UK this year so far. Commsworld already has established a proven track record in radically modernising public sector networks in Edinburgh, the Scottish Borders and Glasgow.
Commsworld Chief Operating Officer, Bruce Strang, said: “This is a very exciting new contract for Commsworld. We look forward to working with Renfrewshire Council to transform its Wide Area Network and delivering a step change in the bandwidth available to the region’s schools.
“We have demonstrated a track record of success in delivering massively enhanced infrastructure to Edinburgh, the Scottish Borders and Glasgow, and look forward to delivering the same for Renfrewshire Council.”
Rob Hamlin, Chief Commercial Officer at CityFibre, said: “The Coronavirus has highlighted the critical role of digital connectivity in our daily lives and this will only continue to increase. We are delighted to be working alongside Commsworld to deliver such an important digital infrastructure project for Renfrewshire Council, one that underpins the area’s development and success for generations.
“Alongside our full fibre rollouts in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling and most recently, Dundee and Inverness, creating thousands of jobs across the country, this latest project cements CityFibre’s major contribution to delivering a full fibre future for Scotland.”
Councillor John Shaw, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Finance, Resources and Customer Services Policy Board said: “I’m very pleased we have agreed this new contract with Commsworld and its partner CityFibre, which represents a significant step in our plans to transform digital connectivity in Renfrewshire.
“This will greatly improve connectivity to our schools, tackle digital exclusion and ensure access to full-fibre connectivity at around 180 Council buildings, including local libraries, town halls, community centres and care homes.
“I am particularly pleased that the contractors will deliver a wide range of community benefits providing support for local projects and skills and training opportunities for young people. The Coronavirus outbreak has further underlined the critical importance of connectivity, which will be vital in Renfrewshire’s economic recovery and help to create a resilient network, benefiting all our communities.”
