Nearly every home and business in Middlesbrough will gain access to next-generation broadband thanks to a multi-million pound investment.

The town is to benefit from an investment of over £42m as part of CityFibre’s plans to help replace the UK’s legacy copper networks with gigabit-capable full fibre optic connectivity.

The state-of-the-art infrastructure is forecast to boost business productivity, while giving residents and businesses access to the UK’s fastest broadband services of up to 1,000 megabytes per second.

Detailed planning is already underway as CityFibre designs a network capable of serving Middlesbrough’s current and future demands.

Upon completion, the network will be in reach of nearly every home and business in the area, providing a platform for a new generation of “smart city” applications and the roll-out of 5G mobile services.

Jason Legget, as city manager at CityFibre, will lead the delivery of the Middlesbrough project, which is due to start in December.

He said: “Our network build is already progressing well in Newcastle, so it’s exciting to now look to our £42m Middlesbrough Full Fibre investment.

“We are working in close partnership with Middlesbrough Council to transform the town’s digital infrastructure, ensuring that the digital needs of those working and living in the town are met now, and in the future.”

MAP Group (UK) is constructing the network on behalf of CityFibre.

The company, based in Stockton-on-Tees, will use modern build techniques, including, where possible, utilising existing underground and overground infrastructure.

Their workers will follow Covid restrictions.

Mike Carlin, CEO at MAP Group (UK) said: “We are delighted to have been awarded this contract and CityFibre’s commitment to delivering the latest in full fibre technology to the town of Middlesbrough is both commendable and exciting.

“The scheme, along with similar projects across the UK, will transform communities – gearing them up for the future of connectivity in order to attract businesses, visitors and improve the lives of residents.”

Welcoming the announcement, Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston added: “Despite Covid, aspects of Middlesbrough are booming, and in 18 months’ time the incredible broadband speeds that CityFibre is bringing will help us to create more business and more jobs.

“We welcome CityFibre’s investment in our town as it furthers our aim of providing a future-proofed full fibre digital infrastructure and a greater choice for the people of Middlesbrough.