280km network built and managed by ITS is delivering access to futureproof business-grade ultrafast digital connectivity across seven local authority areas

A full fibre network designed and built to underpin the shared digital ambitions of Basildon, Brentwood, Castle Point, Essex County, Rochford, Southend-on-Sea, and Thurrock Councils, operating as South Essex Councils (SEC) is live. The network has already connected 250 public sector sites and is enabling access to gigabit-capable services to approximately 9,000 businesses.

Established in 2018, SEC has brought together six local authorities and one county council with the common goal of making South Essex the place to live, to visit, to work and do business. Among SEC’s strategic aims, ensuring access to high-capacity digital infrastructure is crucial to the delivery of modern public services, enabling councils to achieve more with fewer resources, helping to attract inward investment, and stimulate competition to boost the local economy.

Funding of approximately £7.5 million was secured to support SEC’s overall vision for South Essex from DCMS (now Department for Innovation, Science and Technology (DSIT)), Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (now Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC)), and South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP).

The 280km dark fibre network build, which started in April 2020, was rolled out in three phases by infrastructure provider, ITS. Services have been installed to public sector sites across the region, including council offices, libraries, sheltered accommodation, museums, hostels, leisure centres, schools, fire stations, and community and village halls.

Carol Thomas, Director for Digital and ICT at Southend-on-Sea City Council and South Essex Councils Digital Programme Lead, said:

“SEC and our Digital Programme were established to foster joined up thinking across neighbouring local authorities. Among our priorities was a mission to upgrade our outdated broadband networks to underpin economic growth and improve the delivery of public services. In a relatively short timeframe, working with ITS, we have achieved a number of key milestones. This project has delivered futureproof connectivity and reduced our costs, already transforming how we deliver services to our communities. Our focus remains on continuing to create sustainable and positive outcomes that will benefit South Essex for years to come.”

Leader of Basildon Council, and Chair of South Essex Councils, Councillor Gavin Callaghan, said:

“The SEC Digital Programme has made a real difference to people across South Essex. From providing high-speed internet in libraries and community centres to installing Wi-Fi in sheltered housing, we’re ensuring more residents and businesses can access the digital tools they need in everyday life and work. Whether it’s staying connected to family, learning new skills, or accessing services more easily, these improvements are helping to close the digital divide and make South Essex a more inclusive, forward-thinking region. This isn’t just about technology; it’s about making life better for everyone.”

Daren Baythorpe, CEO of ITS, said:

“It is impressive that the seven councils at the heart of SEC had the foresight to collaborate on this significant digital infrastructure project. Full fibre is essential to underpinning a modern economy that reflects the needs and aspirations of businesses and residents. We are delighted to have worked with SEC to build and continue to operate this transformational network to benefit local businesses and organisations to harness the power of digitalisation.” Local businesses can now access gigabit-capable full fibre services through ITS’ partners, a network of local and national resellers, managed service providers, and internet service providers who also offer a comprehensive portfolio of ‘over the top’ IT services such as voice, storage, backup, and security solutions. For more information about service availability click here.