A subsidiary of French provider Axione, Axione UK has started a £300 million project to build a new gigabit-capable fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) broadband network to four million premises for ISPs to sell on to homes (open-access).

Axione build the network and ISPs will provide services to residents and businesses. Based on an open access network model, Axione fibre acts as a wholesale-only operator partnering with internet service providers, integrators, operators and channel partners to offer gigabit broadband services to end-users.

The network operator, which is targeting both suburban and rural areas, initially began by building around St. Andrews in 2021 – partly by running their fibre optic cables via Openreach’s existing cable ducts and poles (Physical Infrastructure Access).

Fife Council officers are working with Axione UK on the necessary consents for sites, including telecommunications cabinets and roads consents.

Councillor Altany Craik, spokesperson - finance, economy & strategic planning, said: “Good connectivity has never been more important. Axione UK’s planned investment is a welcome step along the road to full connectivity that is so vital. This will offer increased choice to Fife residents and communities.

“In Fife we are committed to working with telecommunication providers to ensure better connectivity and developments in technology, and will continue to press for these. I look forward to further investment and even better connectivity for all our communities across the region.”

The following towns and villages in Fife will see Axione’s infrastructure planned between now and the first half of 2023 - Blairhall, Caimeyhill, Carnock, Comrie, Culross, Gowkhall, Newburgh, Oakley, Saline and Steelend, Torryburn and Valleyfield.

Cupar, Newport-on-Tay & Tayport and St Andrews are already in progress.