The contract will see VolkerSmart Technologies construct a full fibre network on behalf of CityFibre, to reach almost every home and business across Ipswich. The works will include excavating 300,000m of new trenches and installing ducting, before blowing, splicing and finally testing the fibre optic cables.

Where possible, the team will utilise existing underground and overhead telecommunications infrastructure for the installation, to ensure a quicker, more efficient delivery and reduced disruption to local residents.

The investment in Ipswich comes as part of a £4 billion Gigabit City Investment Programme by CityFibre targeting the rollout of wholesale full fibre infrastructure to up to eight million homes and businesses across more than 60 towns and cities. CityFibre has already mobilised in 27 towns and cities, has network construction underway in 16 of those cities and towns, with Gigabit-speed services live in 11 cities. At its peak the project will create up to 7,000 new construction jobs.

Alistair Thompson, managing director of VolkerHighways, said: “We are delighted to be delivering this exciting new contract, which will utilise our Smart City capabilities and take CityFibre a step closer to achieving their goal. This project will improve broadband capabilities for thousands of homes in Ipswich and truly enhance the online experience for local residents.”

James Thomas, CityFibre’s director of supply chain, said: “We are thrilled to welcome VolkerSmart Technologies to our growing list of build partners. We are confident they will bring a vast amount of expertise to our build in Ipswich. Our intention is to find partners to grow with us and we believe VolkerSmart Technologies will be a model build partner, consistently delivering a high standard of work, and at the pace we require.”