There’s fast – and there’s ultra fibre fast.
Those York households already connected to Ultra Fibre Optic broadband from TalkTalk know what a difference it makes to have internet speeds of up to 1 Gigabit (1000Mbps).
Now a second phase of installations has begun, which will expand the network to a further 40,000 homes and business across York over the next two years.
York’s Ultra Fibre Optic network has already been installed in an initial pilot towards the north of the city.
It is currently available to 15,000 homes and businesses across Rawcliffe, Clifton, Huntington, New Earswick and parts of the Groves.
Once the network is completed, York will be UK’s first ‘Gigabit City’ – with city-wide full fibre all the way from the exchange into homes or businesses.
Volume, speed and reliability
[arve url=”https://youtu.be/d1HRx_OicaI” title=”Light speed gaming at York’s lighthouse ” /]
Work commenced in Dringhouses this week to begin the second stage of the project to reach another 40,000 homes and businesses in York over the next two years.
The first properties in this next stage will be connected early next year.
Tristia Harrison, CEO of TalkTalk, has visited the site with City of York Council leader David Carr. She said:
Broadband needs to be treated as a fourth ‘utility’ with sufficient capacity to allow data to flow at the volume, speed and reliability required to meet the demands of modern life.
This is the approach we are taking in York.
York’s Ultra Fibre Optic project is a really important project for TalkTalk and York is an ideal size and type of city to test a cost effective method of building full fibre network.
We’re delighted to be starting the next phase to bring the most advanced internet technology available, at an affordable price to homes and businesses across the city.
Transforming the digital landscape
Costing no more than standard broadband, UFO is one hundred times faster, with no difference between download and upload speeds – even when everyone is online at the same time.
Users can download and upload videos, music, photos and apps in a matter of seconds, play online games with no time delays and Skype family or business colleagues without buffering.
Cllr Carr is in no doubt as to the value of rolling this out across York.
“This investment is transforming York’s digital landscape, providing better quality and value for residents and creating new opportunities for businesses,” he said.
“It will undoubtedly help to create new jobs and attract investment by making York an enviable business destination.”
Fantastic news
Council chief executive Mary Weastell agreed. “This continued partnership is cementing York’s reputation as one of the most connected places in the country – a true Gigabit city.
“The extension of Ultra Fast Fibre Optic is fantastic news, making York an even better place to live and do business.”
Highly experienced engineers then dig a small trench direct to the homes or businesses that want to be connected and everything is put back as it was after the fibre has been installed.