First locations in an expanded full fibre broadband network have been revealed in Hull as work begins.
Wholesale-only open-access provider MS3, is rolling out what it describes as a competitive 10 gigabit-capable city service.
It will allow multiple internet service providers to sell to residents and businesses for the first time, creating dozens of skilled jobs, with 20 anticipated to start in the new year.
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More than 500,000 premises are being targeted, starting in the Great Thornton Street and St Andrews area, heading to Gipsyville.
It comes just weeks after significant European backing was secured by the Hessle firm from Spanish-headquartered Asterion Industrial Partners, with the senior management team immediately bolstered at the Priory Park West headquarters.
The first two areas, covering more than 5,000 homes, are expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2022 with initial customers connected to the network in January. A full, detailed roll-out plan to cover the entire city will be released early next year.
The MS3 team was joined by representatives of investment partner Asterion and the leader of Hull City Council, Cllr Daren Hale, to inspect early works carried out. They promise "access to enhanced digital infrastructure, while making fibre more affordable in Hull and surrounding areas, helping to reduce the digital divide".
Guy Miller, chief executive at MS3, said: “I am thrilled to see works begin on Great Thornton Street to connect homes and businesses. Hull City Council has been very supportive of our plans, and it was fantastic to meet Cllr Hale to show him how works are progressing.”
More than 30 other locations in the region are planned.
Network planners, fibre engineers, finance and IT staff are now being sought as it scales up resources to handle the infrastructure investment.
Cllr Hale said: “We are delighted to see this fibre rollout commence which will introduce greater competition into the local market and further enhance Hull as a leading city in digital technologies.”
Previously only served by KCom, once local authority-owned, fellow city firm Connexin is also investing heavily in capability, while a third provider, Quickline, concentrates on rural hard-to-reach communities with a combination of full fibre and 5G technology.
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