York-based internet service provider, UK Fibre Networks has announced a new name and brand for the business as it continues to roll out its full fibre gigabit broadband network to 8000 homes and businesses in York city centre.

Bringing broadband speeds of up to 8000 Mbps over the next 12 months, Fastr Broadband is the name, taken from the Norse word, Fastr, to reflect the ultrafast speeds it will be delivering whilst drawing upon the city’s Viking roots and reflecting its status as a York independent business.

Powered by UK Fibre Networks which launched in 2019, hundreds of homes and businesses within the city walls are already connected to the network, where they can experience download speeds up to 452 times and upload speeds up to 8000 times faster* than the internet services currently available in the area.

Popular city centre takeaway,  Mr Chippy based in Church Street near St Sampson’s Square joined the network in 2020, transforming its internet speeds from only 11 Mbps to 150 Mbps.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Owner of Mr Chippy, Andrew Pericleous said: “Joining Fastr Broadband has been a breath of fresh air and means we were able to expand our business and bring in additional revenue streams from Deliveroo, which now accounts for over 40% of our sales.

“Without a strong internet, we simply wouldn't be able to use their order system as well as keeping in store customers happy with speedy efficient service through our point-of-sale system, digital menu and even our credit card machines.”

The service is available in streets including: Blake Street, Bootham, Church Street, Claremont Terrace, Colliergate, Coney Street, Coppergate, Gillygate, Goodramgate, High Petergate, Low Petergate, Lord Mayor’s Walk, Marygate, Stonegate, Swinegate and Parliament Street.

The build will be progressing to other streets and areas inside the city walls, which are due to be announced shortly.

Pete Evans, Director, Fastr Broadband, said: “We are committed to delivering businesses and residents the fastest broadband they’ve never had, with download speeds more than 452 times faster than those currently available within the city walls.

“We work closely with Digital York, Streetwork’s and Highways teams and so it’s with their approval that we are able to build considerately at their approval that we are able to build considerately at night, tidying up old cables up as we go and reusing existing boxes to connect the network, our aim is to work with residents, landlords and businesses to find the best solution for their property.”

Roy Grant, Head of ICT and Digital Services at City of York Council said: “York has always led the way in terms of its digital connectivity landscape, however one of the missing pieces of the jigsaw has been within our city walls, where the mix of historic buildings and cobbled streets make it challenging to build strong networks.

“We very much welcome this private investment that expands the access to future proof connectivity and more choice of service providers within our city, connecting thousands of homes and businesses who are the lifeblood of the city’s economy, with a strong and reliable connection, without which York wouldn’t thrive within the digital world.”

Residents and businesses within the city walls are encouraged to register their interest on Fastr Broadband’s website – www.fastrbroadband.co.uk.