Clancy has hailed the contract award as its first major contract award in the telecoms sector.

Clancy will manage the installation of fibre from Gigaclear’s telecoms exchange to customers’ premises, delivering new connections to households across Surrey. 

To accelerate the roll-out, Clancy will seek to use existing duct networks where possible. The scope of the contract will see Clancy testing these routes and carrying out targeted excavation where necessary to upgrade or extend them, before installing new fibre cable. The programme will draw on no-dig technology to boost productivity.

Telecommunications providers are working to deliver government ambitions to connect 80% of the UK to the fibre network by 2026.

Clancy is planning to set up a training centre at its site in Dartford to develop the skills needed for the fibre roll-out.

Executive director Ronan Clancy said that the new contract complemented the business’ work in water and energy utilities.

“Clancy’s more than 60 years of expertise in utilities and civils, together with our direct employment and training model, mean we’re well placed to support the large-scale expansion of fibre across the UK,” he said. 

“Connectivity has a significant role to play in reducing regional inequalities, delivering value for our growing families at home and at work.  As demand for broadband capacity – now considered a vital utility – continues to grow, we’re exploring new opportunities to support this fast-growing market, alongside our work in water and energy.” 

Operations director Roger Culley added: “Our work with Gigaclear will see our operatives deploy their civil engineering skills and experience in critical utilities within the fast-paced fibre market.”

 Gigaclear senior project manager Jonathan Divito said: “We’ve been designing, building and operating gigabit fibre networks for more than 10 years during which time Gigaclear has firmly establishing itself as the largest rural, full fibre alternative network in the UK. It’s critical that rural communities aren’t left behind as the demand for ultrafast broadband grows. We have extensive plans to continue our FTTP network rollout to rural residents across Surrey and, with Clancy’s extensive civils experience, we are excited to be working with them on their first major venture into the telecoms sector.”

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