A Cambridge start-up says it is installing a new full-fibre network in Cambridge and Ely that will deliver broadband to local businesses and homes up to 40 times faster and more reliably than existing providers. John McEleney, co-founder of Cambridge Fibre, said: “Existing broadband services in Cambridge and Ely, even those claiming to be “fibre” broadband, are still built on the outdated copper cabling, which is why so many people experience slow and lagging connections despite upgrading their packages. The massive jump in speed and reliability, which Cambridge Fibre is delivering, can only be achieved by building a completely new network.”

As a registered supplier, the firm’s upgrade to Gigabit TrueFibre® qualifies for the government’s £67m gigabit broadband voucher scheme, which is designed to help SMEs access faster connections. Businesses can claim up to £3,000 against the installation cost of connection.

Councillor Steve Count, leader of Cambridgeshire Council, which leads the Connecting Cambridgeshire digital connectivity programme, said: “We want to ensure that our businesses and communities have the fixed and mobile connectivity they need to allow them to compete and thrive, bringing future economic growth to this area."