Stockport utilities group to connect over a million properties to ultrafast fibre broadband

A series of new contract wins will see Stockport-based utilities infrastructure provider OCU Group connect over a million properties across the UK to ultrafast fibre broadband.

Wins with CityFibre, VM02, Openreach, and most recently with new client KCOM mark the latest steps in OCU’s telecoms growth plans. Projects form part of the UK Government’s £5 billion Project Gigabit to ensure 85% of UK homes have access to ultrafast broadband by 2025.

In West Yorkshire, OCU is already working as CityFibre’s principal contractor for the build of a new Leeds network. Sheffield, Wakefield and Rotherham networks are also being upgraded with all homes to be connected by March 2025. In the Northwest and the South, OCU has further secured CityFibre builds in towns and cities including Luton, Reading, High Wycombe, Wokingham Wigan, Warrington and St Helens.

Progress with VMO2 on the Fibre-Up programme commenced in the Merseyside and Watford areas earlier this year and plans are already afoot to expand delivery on this programme in Yorkshire and the Northwest next year and further into the Southeast; further adding to the Stockport utilities group’s portfolio of Infill works.

OCU have added build areas in South Wales, Greater Manchester and Yorkshire to their already established works in London and the Home Counties on Openreach’s Fibre Cities Programme and the business looks forward to continue serving Openreach on their Fibre 26 programme.

In the Nottingham area, OCU has recently commenced works, building a new FTTP network for Gigaclear with whom they began working with in South Wales and the Southeast two years ago.

Michael Hughes, Chief Executive Officer of OCU Group, said:

“The further expansion of our activities across Yorkshire and the Humber with KCOM extends our telecoms contracting footprint across England and Wales, marking another step in our ambitious plans to increase our nationwide rollout capabilities and in turn, support the future of the UK’s economy. Whether it’s for businesses, or families keeping in touch with loved ones, being connected is increasingly vital in today’s world. We strive to provide the best possible services to our clients, and I look forward to OCU continuing the deployment of fibre infrastructure around the country as we help more people stay connected.”