How Neos is Connecting the UK with Fibre Railway Corridors

Neos Network, one of the UK’s largest business-dedicated networks, has announced its completion of the first fibre installation under Project Reach.

The completion highlights huge plans to rewire the UK for the upcoming 10 years of digital growth.

Neos Network project is in partnership with AmcoGiffen and Network Rail and it has begun installing new 432-count fibre cables with support from the Great Western Main Line. It will connect London and Wales.

The first deployment represents the start of a nationwide rollout which will see a minimum of 1,000km of new high-grade fibre laid throughout Britain’s railways. The rollout will create both a better shield and quicker foundation for the UK’s current digital economy.

John Booth, Managing Director, AmcoGiffen, says: “This milestone marks the beginning of an ambitious programme that will strengthen the UK’s digital network for generations to come. 

“Safe and efficient delivery in rail operations demands real expertise and precision and our team has set the benchmark for both as we leverage our experience on Project Reach. 

“The success of this first phase reflects the strength of our collaboration with Neos Networks and Network Rail and the skill and commitment of everyone involved”

Making a mark in UK connectivity

As it stands, the installation marks the UK’s biggest core fibre network deployment in decades, with Project Reach developed to strengthen the UK’s connectivity from the ground up. 

By using the rail networks as a national corridor for new fibre, Neos is utilising the direct, secure and futureproof routes available. From rail operations, transport digitisation to the growing demand caused by AI, cloud and data centre expansion. 

To ensure the first fibre deployment was a success, more than 40 specialists worked overnight, under tight safety and operation controls to allow for zero disruption to passenger services. 

Planning has been diligent throughout the process, with hour-by-hour coordination and close collaboration with Network Rail, the project was completed on time and to the required high safety standards. As a result, the first phase of the rollout has set standards for the remaining launch whilst showing the efficiency of the delivery model.

Building the backbone for Britain’s digital future

Lee Myall, CEO of Neos Networks, says: The milestone is about more than a successful fibre pull, it’s about building the backbone for Britain’s digital future.

“AI, cloud and data centres may capture headlines, but they all rely on one thing: fibre. Without it, the UK’s digital ambitions simply can’t be realised. Project Reach is how we make sure the UK stays globally competitive for decades to come.”

Wales and Western regions within Network Rail will be the first in the UK to commence fibre pulls by Project Reach, with further installations planned towards the end of 2025.

Phase two, next steps

The overall plan highlights that by the end of the programme, Neos Networks will have laid a minimum of 1,000km of new high-grade fibre along railway corridors across the nation. These will provide the scalable and secure connectivity required by the country’s fast-growing data economy.

Harriet Hepburn, Corporate Finance, Partnerships and Retail Director at Network Rail,  says: “This first milestone highlights how collaboration between the public and private sectors can deliver tangible national benefits.  

“Project Reach is modernising Britain’s rail communications while laying the foundation for the next phase of digital growth in the UK.”