Work Starts To Bring Worthing Into The Digital Future

Work has started to connect Worthing town centre to ultrafast broadband technology that is set to deliver a huge economic boost to the area.

Adur & Worthing Councils are introducing a state-of-the-art Gigabit fibre internet service that will link all its 70-plus public buildings to benefit residents, schools, businesses and visitors by delivering speeds that are on average ten times faster than the current network.

Work is being carried out by CityFibre, which is replacing the outdated copper-based broadband network and replacing it with a high-tech optic one.

Once installed, the ultra-modern infrastructure will help the Councils deliver improved services and allow for future technologies such as electric vehicle smart meters and traffic management systems — while being able to warn staff when waste bins are nearly full. 

It is hoped the new network will attract more businesses and investment to the area, while also helping lower carbon emissions by reducing electricity demand and offering greater efficiency thanks to real-time monitoring.

Cllr Edward Crouch, Worthing executive member for digital & environmental services, said:

“When the work is completed Worthing will benefit from ultrafast broadband. It is our goal to deliver a network that enables everyone to have access.

“This network will serve to future-proof the area by bringing in investment and attracting new talent, which will be a huge boost for the future economy of Worthing, as well as being hugely beneficial for work, study and recreation.”

Digging ahead of the installation has begun in the town centre and is expected to carry on throughout the spring, at planned stages to minimise disruption.

There are currently temporary traffic lights in place in Rowlands Road because of this, while work is also underway in Marine Parade, Chapel Road and Richmond Road.

There will also be works carried out in Union Place, Montague Street and the seafront during the spring. This is expected to be finished before the summer.

Once CityFibre have connected the Council buildings, they will then install a new fibre infrastructure to businesses and homes as part of its wider commercial programme, eventually providing the region with one of the most technologically advanced networks in the country.