Work starts on faster broadband for Doncaster

Groundwork has begun on installing faster broadband in Doncaster - but concerns have been raised around potential disruption to roads and pavements.
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About £25 million is being spent by digital infrastructure firm CityFibre and work in the town centre and Hyde Park is under way.

The installation programme will shortly move into Balby North and Hexthorpe.

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Full fibre – described as the ‘best in connectivity for its speed, near unlimited bandwidth and reliability’ – is currently available to about 13 per cent of UK premises.

Coun Nick Allen, Doncaster Council Conservative member for BessacarrCoun Nick Allen, Doncaster Council Conservative member for Bessacarr
Coun Nick Allen, Doncaster Council Conservative member for Bessacarr

CityFibre says using fibre optic cables for every connection stage from the customer’s home or business to the internet means users will be offered a ‘significantly superior and more reliable broadband service’, capable of speeds of 1,000Mbps.

However, Coun Nick Allen, Doncaster Council member for Bessacarr, raised concerns about just how much of Doncaster would actually benefit from the installation and the disruption to borough roads and pavements.

He said: “My main wish is this does not cause a lot of unnecessary roadworks by digging up the pavements and roads, as that would cause a nuisance and a lot of mess which people do not want to see.

“I’m sure this work could be a positive step forward.

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“Surely some aspects of the work only replicate the provision we already have in place now.

“What assurances have the council been given that this work will be carried out in partnership with local people?

“Will people be adequately informed about it and if it is carried out then will it be carried out safely?

“The contractors also need to ensure they do not damage the grass verges by leaving a mess. Unfortunately, that has happened previously, in my ward, Bessacarr.”

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Natalie Ward, CityFibre manager for Doncaster, said: “For people across Doncaster, their digital future is just around the corner. Work is now under way and that is something to be celebrated.

“Full fibre broadband will help households and businesses access all they need at lightning speed, but the benefits are far deeper than that – from enabling smart home technologies to giving people the freedom to work from home with ease.

“The investment also comes at a critical time for Doncaster’s forward-thinking business community.”

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