Neos completes first Project Reach fibre along rail corridor
Neos Networks has completed the first fibre installation of Project Reach, launching a significant expansion of core digital infrastructure in the UK.
The company has laid new high-count fibre cables along the Great Western Main Line between London and Cardiff as part of a plan to deploy at least 1,000km of fresh fibre nationwide to support the country's growing digital requirements.
Infrastructure expansion
The latest deployment involves 432-count fibre cables installed alongside a critical railway corridor. The project leverages existing rail routes to provide a direct and secure path for new digital infrastructure. The fibre build was executed by Neos Networks in partnership with AmcoGiffen and Network Rail, and was completed within four weeks by a team of over 40 specialists. All works were completed without any disruption to passenger rail services.
Digital demand
The demand for new fibre capacity is being driven primarily by surging requirements from AI, cloud computing, and data centre growth. By expanding Britain's fibre backbone, the initiative aims to underpin rail operations, enable future transport digitisation, and support the wider data economy.
"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," said Lee Myall, CEO, Neos Networks.
Delivery model
The fibre installation process utilised overnight working hours under tight safety protocols, ensuring no interruption to rail operations. Coordination with Network Rail was necessary to meet scheduled timelines and safety benchmarks. The swift completion sets what project partners describe as a standard for efficiency in ongoing and future fibre rollout phases.
"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," said John Booth, Managing Director, AmcoGiffen.
Public-private collaboration
The project demonstrates collaboration between private sector partners and the national rail infrastructure operator.
The deployment along the Great Western Main Line is the first under Project Reach, with Network Rail's Wales & Western region leading the initiative. Additional installations are planned through the rest of the year with the goal of delivering a scalable, secure network for the data needs of the UK economy.
"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," said Harriet Hepburn, Corporate Finance, Partnerships and Retail Director, Network Rail.
