Neos completes GigaHubs full fibre build for 190 public sites

Neos Networks and Oxfordshire County Council (OCC) have confirmed the completion of their Gigahubs project introducing 192 public service and local authority sites to new 1,500km long gigabit-capable full fibre broadband network, enhancing digital connectivity for residents.

The work is part of the GigaHubs project scheme in Oxfordshire, (formerly Local Full Fibre Networks) which first began in 2021 and was previously due to be completed toward the end of 2024.

It is jointly funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the council, with funding for the 20-year deal including a £5m investment from OCC, around £2m from Project Gigabit and, £250k from the Local Enterprise Partnership.

Funding from the council was sourced from income generated by its digital infrastructure programme.

Neos has project managed the initiative, and also partly act as an aggregator, bringing together several connectivity subcontractors that include Openreach, Virgin Business Media and Gigaclear to help build, manage and operate the new infrastructure for the foundations of a “smart county”.

Councillor Liz Leffman, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “The GigaHubs project has transformed the digital landscape of Oxfordshire, and the successful collaboration with Neos Networks has ensured that even the most remote areas now have access to reliable, high speed internet.”

Improved connectivity enables public service sites to offer enhanced services, support remote working, and provide high-speed internet access to local communities. By developing a highly competitive supply chain and using the best technology for each site, Neos has enabled faster provisioning of public services at significantly reduced costs.

Benefits have already been seen where the new infrastructure is operational, including live streaming meetings, clubs, classes and events for village halls and community centres.

The digital infrastructure programme has also funded three years of internet access for the 55 community centres and village halls connected through the project, and the council plans to equip the community and village halls to become community hubs offering enhanced community services, health and social care support.

The project has allowed the migration from expensive leased line services to direct fibre internet services for council buildings, improving connectivity performance while achieving a saving of nearly £70k a year on connectivity costs for the council.

David Bruce, Chief Revenue Officer at Neos Networks, said: “The collaboration has allowed us to use our expertise and relationships to deliver real public good and support the council’s vision for a smarter, more connected Oxfordshire.

“This project should serve as a blueprint for other local authorities seeking to bridge the digital divide support community development.”