The Drive to Connect Everyone to Fast or Fibre Broadband

The demand for fast or fibre broadband has never been higher than it is now in the UK. 

In the digital age, access to high-speed internet is crucial for everyone, from individuals to businesses. It is essential for economic growth, education, healthcare, and social development.

Telecom providers primarily lead the rollout of fibre broadband. However, construction companies and the UK government play a crucial role in the deployment of fibre optic infrastructure. 

Here are some ways construction companies and the government are contributing to the rollout of fibre broadband:

Construction companies

1. Planning and Design

Construction companies play a vital role in planning and designing the fibre broadband network. They work in collaboration with telecom providers to determine the best locations and routes for laying the fibre cables. They also ensure that the cable is protected from damage and can withstand different weather conditions.

2. Building Network Infrastructure

Construction companies are responsible for building the infrastructure required for fibre broadband. This infrastructure includes laying the fibre optic cables, building the cabinets and exchanges, and installing the necessary hardware. This requires a dedicated team of skilled professionals with knowledge of fibre optic technology.

3. Maintenance and Repair

The construction companies are responsible for maintaining and repairing the fibre optic network infrastructure after it has been built. They ensure the network runs smoothly and fix any damage or issues that may arise. This ensures the network’s longevity and efficiency.

4. Health and Safety

Construction companies ensure that health and safety regulations are followed during the installation and maintenance of the fibre network. This includes following safe working practices, providing protective equipment for workers, and reducing hazards and risks.

5. Innovations

Construction companies continuously innovate to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of fibre broadband rollout. They develop new technologies and construction techniques that can help reduce costs and complete projects quicker.

6. Community Engagement

Construction companies engage with local communities to ensure that they are aware of the installation and maintenance of the fibre optic network. They also address any concerns and queries from the residents.

Government

1. Providing Funding For Rural/Remote Areas

The government has pledged to provide £5 billion in funding to ensure that all homes and businesses in the UK have access to gigabit-speed broadband by 2023. This funding is particularly important for remote and rural areas where it is more costly for service providers to lay down new infrastructure. The funding will support the construction of new networks in areas where the return on investment is low.

2. Promoting Competition

The UK government has established a regulatory environment that promotes competition amongst broadband service providers. By doing so, the government ensures that new providers can enter the market with ease, leading to more innovations and better service for consumers.

3. Encouraging Local Authorities to Provide Access to Their Street Furniture

To speed up the rollout of fibre optic broadband, the government is encouraging local authorities to open up their street furniture, such as lampposts and other poles, for the installation of network infrastructure. By doing so, it reduces the cost and time associated with laying down new cables.

4. Regulation

The government has also put in place regulations to encourage the deployment of fibre optic infrastructure. For example, it requires new properties to have fibre optic cables installed to enable high-speed broadband connections.

5. Offering Tax Cuts For Construction Companies

Construction companies play an important role in laying down fibre optic infrastructure. In an effort to encourage construction companies to invest in this area, the UK government is offering a series of tax cuts that reduce the cost of investment in fibre infrastructure. These cuts are designed to stimulate investment and encourage construction companies to actively deploy fibre optic networks.

Final Thoughts

The drive to connect everyone to fibre broadband in the UK is a collaborative effort involving telecommunication providers, construction companies, and the government. 

However, there is a skills shortage in infrastructure, and companies and employees alike may feel uncertain, but this is a strong sector. 

We can support you to build or be part of a skilled, adaptable workforce. Contact us today to find out more.