Firms offered free connection to fibre broadband

CityFibre is stepping in after the UK government suspended its broadband connection voucher scheme

Companies in Aberdeen and Edinburgh have been offered free connections to superfast fibre broadband networks after the UK government suspended its voucher scheme.

Network specialist CityFibre said it was waiving the connection fees – which can cost up to £2,500 – until 5 November, depending on property location.

Since the government’s connection voucher scheme began last year, more than 40,000 firms have signed up, and CityFibre said the initiative was a “catalyst” to encourage companies to upgrade their broadband speeds.

Director of operations James Thomas said: “We are delighted to be able to help those businesses that have missed out on the voucher, giving them a final chance to get connected to transformational services on future-proof pure fibre infrastructure in the cities we serve.”

In March, Aim-quoted CityFibre announced a partnership with Edinburgh-based telecoms company Commsworld to create a 93-mile superfast fibre network in the city.

Earlier this month, the firm said almost 300 council-owned sites in Edinburgh would receive an upgrade to their broadband connection, again working with Commsworld.