Edinburgh firms looking to giga-bit future

Apex Hotels are signed up to a Commsworld contract with CityFibre. Picture: Ian Georgeson

A COMPANY looking to bring ultra-high speed internet access to scores of cities and town centres has had more than 200 businesses register their interest for its latest scheme, in Edinburgh.

CityFibre launched its “Gig-Up Edinburgh” campaign last month, and in an update to investors yesterday said it had been encouraged by the strong take-up to date.

Those firms registering their interest are over and above the connections committed under CityFibre’s anchor tenant agreement with local service provider Commsworld.

CityFibre stressed that registration was not an obligation to sign up to services, but enabled the company to plan its network construction to accommodate likely demand.

In addition, Commsworld has signed contracts with a number of new customers, including the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC), Apex Hotels and The Law Society of Scotland.

Greg Mesch, chief executive of CityFibre, said: “We are very encouraged by the response from businesses in our first month of pre-registration. In addition, it’s great to see our partner, Commsworld, already securing new customers.”

Andy Arkle, commercial director of Commsworld, added: “Our customers are excited by the opportunity.”