Neos Networks Completes Major Full Fibre Network in Oxfordshire

On July 9th, 2025, the GigaHubs project in Oxfordshire was officially completed, marking a significant milestone in local digital infrastructure development. The project involved laying down a 1,500 km gigabit-capable fibre network that links various public sector locations, including schools and hospitals.

The project, which commenced in 2021, was funded through a combination of government and local investments — notably a £5 million contribution from the Oxfordshire County Council, approximately £2 million from Project Gigabit, and an additional £250,000 from the Local Enterprise Partnership. The scheme is part of the UK Government’s broader £5 billion Project Gigabit aimed at enhancing rural connectivity.

Multiple operators, including Openreach, Virgin Media Business, and Gigaclear, collaborated to build, operate, and expand this infrastructure, with Neos Networks serving as the project aggregator. This collaborative effort helped lay the groundwork for a smarter, more connected county.

Already, the new network is making a tangible difference. Community centers and village halls are now capable of live-streaming events and classes. The Digital Infrastructure Programme also funded three years of free internet access at 55 community sites, encouraging the development of community hubs that could provide further services and social support.

According to Craig Bower, Digital Connectivity Programme Director, this project signifies a leap forward in digital inclusion and community development. It has also allowed the council to migrate from costly leased lines to more affordable fibre services, saving around £69,600 annually.

Neos Networks’ CRO, David Bruce, emphasized the role of the project in empowering community hubs with reliable broadband and highlighted its potential as a blueprint for other regions addressing digital divides.

The project’s impact extends to the private sector too, as the improved infrastructure has encouraged other broadband providers to expand their services in the region, exemplified by Gigaclear’s recent contract win through Project Gigabit.

Lastly, Oxfordshire’s council has allocated a social value contribution of £20,000 to purchase 30 public computers, which are now serving library users in Oxford Westgate, Cowley, and Abingdon. Overall, the GigaHubs project exemplifies successful public-private collaboration in digital infrastructure, poised to further boost economic and technological growth in Oxfordshire.

Co