Guernsey Fibre is bringing the new fibre network to all 30,000 homes in Guernsey, giving everyone faster and more resilient broadband and landlines and future-proofing the island.
More than a third of the island is now ‘fibre ready’, with thousands of residents and businesses enjoying superfast speeds.
So far, the fibre upgrade has been completed without any major road closures, utilising short-term works and one-way systems, temporary traffic lights and parking restrictions instead.
The project is now reaching a significant milestone, with work beginning later this month on the road from the Guernsey Dairy to Castel Church.
This phase consists of laying 1.4 miles of new ducts and fibre cables underground, as well as on existing telephone poles. The section of road from the Guernsey Dairy, along Bailiff’s Cross Road, past Les Bourgs Hospice, and to Castel Church will be closed in six stages to minimise disruption. Work will commence on 17 July and last for 18 weeks, with the Guernsey Fibre team working extended hours to complete the upgrade as quickly as possible.
Residents and businesses in the area have already been contacted to inform them that the work will be taking place and what measures will be in place to support access to properties during the disruption.
Richard Cartland, Guernsey Fibre Programme Director is pleased that the project is progressing well. He said: “Long term roadworks are a challenge on a small island; we are working very closely with the States of Guernsey and our contractors Geomarine to ensure that disruption is kept to a minimum.
“These works are essential to future-proof the island’s telecommunications infrastructure for decades to come. Fibre connectivity provides faster and more reliable internet access, no loss in performance and allows digital businesses to thrive, so the small amount of disruption is very worthwhile in the long run.”
Guernsey Fibre reflects an investment of £37.5m in a full-fibre broadband network, in partnership with the States of Guernsey who are providing part-funding of up to £12.5m. Working together in this way provides added reassurance that this is a long-term investment that will benefit Guernsey for years to come as it becomes a crucial part of the island’s infrastructure.
