First fibre laid under Project Reach UK digital backbone | Computer Weekly

"Specifically designed to end the worst signal blackspots on the major rail arteries of Britain and no less than rewire the UK for the next decade of digital growth, Project Reach's nationwide roll-out will see at least 1,000km of high-grade fibre laid alongside Britain's railways. By using the rail network as a national corridor for new fibre, Neos says it's taking advantage of the most direct, secure and future-proof routes available."

"The infrastructure will support everything from rail operations and transport digitisation to the surging demand created by artificial intelligence (AI), cloud and datacentre expansion. It's the kind of investment that will determine how competitively Britain can perform in an increasingly data-driven world. Structurally, the project brings together public and private sector investment and infrastructure, and is claimed to be able to save taxpayers around £300m while delivering substantial benefits to rail users."

"The railway's current fibre optic cable system uses 24- and 48-count cable similar to that found in the ground on residential streets. The network will see use of a Neos Networks 432-core high-count cable, hugely increasing the network's capability. Network Rail will use one half of the new capacity and Neos will commercialise the other. In partnership with AmcoGiffen and Network"

Neos Networks has completed the first fibre installation under Project Reach. Project Reach will lay at least 1,000km of high-grade fibre alongside Britain's railways, using the rail network as a national corridor for direct, secure, future-proof routes. The infrastructure will support rail operations, transport digitisation, and increased demand from artificial intelligence, cloud, and datacentre expansion. The programme combines public and private investment and is claimed to save taxpayers around £300m while delivering benefits to rail users. The upgrade replaces 24- and 48-count cable with a Neos Networks 432-core high-count cable; Network Rail will use half the capacity and Neos will commercialise the remainder. The project involves partners including AmcoGiffen and Network

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