Oxfordshire County Council has announced the successful completion of the GigaHubs project, a major initiative that has significantly improved digital connectivity across the county’s rural and public service sites. This milestone underscores the council’s commitment to enhancing digital infrastructure through its Digital Infrastructure Programme.
Funded jointly by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and the council, the project has connected 192 public service locations — including schools, GP practices, fire stations, libraries, leisure centres, community centres, and museums — many in rural areas where fibre deployment is traditionally challenging and costly. The funding, sourced from income generated by the Digital Infrastructure Programme, was provided at no cost to taxpayers.
Managed by Neos Networks with subcontractors such as Openreach, Virgin Media Business, and Gigaclear, the project involved deploying extensive full fibre broadband infrastructure. The upgraded connectivity has enabled these sites to deliver enhanced services, support remote working, and provide high-speed internet to local communities. By leveraging a diverse supply chain and deploying the most appropriate technology for each site, the project has delivered faster service provisioning at reduced costs.
Communities are already experiencing the benefits: village halls and community centres are now live streaming events, meetings, clubs, and classes, fostering greater community engagement and access to digital services.
In addition to delivering gigabit broadband, the Digital Infrastructure Programme funded three years of paid internet access for the 55 community hubs and village halls connected through GigaHubs. The council envisions transforming these hubs into ‘community centres’ offering expanded health, social care, and community services — reducing travel needs for residents seeking vital public services.
The infrastructure upgrade has also attracted increased private sector investment in rural areas, as these hubs now serve as anchors for connecting nearby homes and businesses. Additionally, the project facilitated a switch from costly leased line services to direct fibre connections for council buildings, saving approximately £69,619 annually on connectivity costs.
As part of the partnership, Neos Networks contributed a social value fund of £20,000, used to purchase 30 public computers now available at Oxford Westgate Library, Cowley Library, and Abingdon Library, further supporting digital inclusion.
“The GigaHubs project marks a key milestone in our efforts to improve digital access across Oxfordshire. Connecting 192 public sites with gigabit broadband not only elevates service quality but also stimulates further investment in rural communities. It exemplifies our dedication to digital inclusion and community development,” said Craig Bower, Digital Connectivity Programme Director.
“This project has transformed our digital landscape — enabling schools, healthcare facilities, and community centres to offer better services. Our collaboration with industry leaders like Neos Networks has ensured even the most remote areas now benefit from reliable, high-speed internet. The GigaHubs initiative supports our wider goals of reducing carbon emissions, fostering digital inclusion, and strengthening community ties,” said Cllr Liz Leffman, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council.
“We’re proud to have played a pivotal role in Oxfordshire’s GigaHubs project, empowering key community and public service sites with fast, reliable broadband. This collaboration demonstrates how infrastructure expertise can support public good and serve as a model for other local authorities aiming to bridge the digital divide and promote community development,” said David Bruce, CRO at Neos Networks.
