The newly recruited infrastructure team has begun its first project, undertaking preparatory work before fibre cables are installed. The team is responsible for building the fibre networks that connect rural communities to our fast, reliable broadband and will play a crucial role in our accelerated rollout programme throughout 2023 and beyond.
Recruitment for the team began in October last year as we invested to bolster our build capability, improving our capacity and flexibility to roll out our gigabit capable broadband network to even more rural communities. The team comprises of a variety of roles, from civils operatives and cablers to splicers.
Lee Allison, our Chief Operating Officer, said: “This is a significant investment by Quickline, which reflects our commitment to the rollout of full fibre to some of the most remote communities – giving them the digital life they deserve.
“We’re also proud to be supporting and investing in the local economy through the creation of these roles, which offer great development opportunities within the Quickline business.”
Our team is now operating at sites in South Ferriby, near Barton-upon-Humber in North Lincolnshire, and Tealby and North Willingham, near Market Rasen in Lincolnshire, where a period of test, rod and roping (TRR) is underway. All the homes and businesses across these communities will have access to our full fibre broadband later this year. Our service currently delivers speeds of up to 1 Gbps, compared to the current average of just 30 to 50 Mbps from other providers in those areas.
The Build Team will play an integral part in our 2023 fibre rollout plan, using XGS-PON technology ultimately capable of bringing broadband speeds of 10 Gbps to over 55,000 homes and businesses this year. This follows a strong 2022 which saw more than 10,000 homes and businesses in over 20 communities receive access to full fibre broadband.
With a vision to tackle rural internet inequality across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, we have already passed 300,000 premises with our existing next generation fixed wireless broadband network and are rapidly blending that with a full fibre network creating the UK’s only gigabit hybrid network.
Chris Akrill, our Head of Fibre Operations, said: “Our dedicated in-house Build Team is a vital addition to the Quickline business, providing us with the resources to push on at speed with our full fibre rollout programme. “We were delighted with the calibre of applicants we received during the recruitment process and it’s fantastic to be in the position to send this talented group of people out into rural communities across our network area.
“We have a busy schedule over the coming months as we continue to expand our network of full fibre infrastructure to some of the most remote corners of Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.”
Our new Build Team brings together highly-qualified tradespeople with a wealth of knowledge and experience from a variety of industries and backgrounds. New Build Team member Dave Liversedge has joined Quickline as a Cable Operative, bringing skills and experience from a career in the army, followed by more than a decade working in the telecoms industry.
He said: “It’s great to get out into the community with the team and start work on these new builds.
“It’s an exciting time to be part of Quickline and I’m looking forward to helping to deliver our full fibre broadband to new rural communities.”
We’re committed to ensuring people living locally are kept informed of the work being undertaken.
Our community engagement team will be visiting the areas where work is taking place over coming weeks and months to host drop-in sessions and answer any questions from residents.
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Quickline Build Team begins work to bring fibre broadband to new communities
Our new in-house Build Team is now active in rural communities, laying the foundations to connect them to our game-changing fibre broadband.