As well as making a significant financial commitment, KCOM will enable free Wi-Fi provision for several outdoor events during 2017, each attended by up to 20,000 people, as a means of engaging with audiences and encouraging them to “Tell the World” about the programme. KCOM will also provide a 1 Gb fibre broadband connection to the Hull 2017 offices.
Hull remains the only city in the UK where ultrafast broadband, delivered directly to homes and businesses via fibre cables, is being rolled out as standard. KCOM has committed tens of millions in further investment to make more local homes and businesses the best-connected in the UK. As a result, KCOM’s Lightstream fibre service will be available to 148,000 homes and businesses by the end of the City of Culture year.
Gary Young, Managing Director of KCOM’s local business in Hull and East Yorkshire, said “During 2017 we’ll be working with the 2017 team to promote Hull as place where digital connectivity supports artistic expression and the cultural economy.”
“With more than 140,000 local customers and 900 employees in the region, KCOM is part of the fabric of Hull and East Yorkshire. Because of this, we see ourselves as natural partners of the City of Culture and are passionate about playing our part in making 2017 an outstanding success, delivering economic, cultural and social benefits during the year and long into the future.
“We intend to be an active partner during 2017 and will be contributing our digital expertise in support of the cultural programme. Ultrafast connectivity has the power to stimulate creativity and innovation, not least in the fields of culture and the arts.
Martin Green, Chief Executive of Hull UK City of Culture 2017, said: “I am absolutely delighted to welcome KCOM on board for 2017. KCOM has a long history in Hull and this investment further cements the company’s deep commitment to the city.
“A great deal of art is now created, experienced and shared digitally, so KCOM’s ultrafast fibre network will be a major asset to the city and the cultural programme during 2017 and beyond.”