How Full Fibre Is Changing Rural Life In Hull​

Quite a lot has changed in Hull since it was crowned the City of Culture in 2017. In fact, studies have indicated that the year's lasting impact, which brought thousands of events and millions of people to the city, has had a profound and positive change. 

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Now, full fibre is making its mark on the city, changing it from the gateway port city to a location that many companies are considering moving to. This, together with Hull’s new Community Plan, which is intended to shape the city over the next 10 years, is set to make Hull a force to be reckoned with. 

Full fibre connections in Hull

According to statistics published by Ofcom, 69% of homes now have access to full-fibre broadband. That’s around 7 in every 10 homes, or 20.7 million properties. These numbers are rising rapidly in an attempt to meet ex-Prime Minister Boris Johnson's promise that everyone in the UK would be able to access full-fibre broadband by 2025. 

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Hull is bucking the trend seen across the UK, and its statistics for full-fibre broadband are impressive. Following a seven-year investment programme, Hull became the first city in the UK where full fibre broadband was available to all. It managed this feat in 2019, just two years after its stint as City of Culture. 

This almost 100% access to full-fibre broadband provided a much-needed boost to the local economy, with a number of big-name companies choosing to open new offices there or relocate existing offices into the city. 

What are the benefits for Hull?

With more companies choosing Hull as a base, there are a growing number of job opportunities within the area. This is great news for those individuals who live within commutable distance of the city. Obviously, this brings more money into the local economy, and as a result, the area's culture has altered from a more rural feel to that of a thriving urban business hub. 

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The influx of companies due to connectivity in Hull is not only bringing in a new wave of younger people to work in the area but also those who are attracted by the affordable living opportunities and the growing culture scene. In short, Hull has much to offer, which hasn’t gone unnoticed. 

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In 2019, Hull also became the first city in the UK to create its own purpose-built Smart City Operating System (OS), which enabled it to become a programmable city. This means there is now centralised information connected to council services. This helps stakeholders make better decisions for the city and improves the lives of those who live in the area. 

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The adoption of full-fibre broadband across Hull has had a significant and beneficial impact on rural life in the area. It has been instrumental in attracting businesses and making the area a hub for commerce. Whether you live in Hull or work there, there’s no doubt that the future is looking bright.