Rural business park, Thorp Arch Estate, near Wetherby, is marking a significant milestone in its 60-year history as it celebrates the installation of full fibre internet, capable of delivering multi-gigabit speeds/up to 10 Gigabits per second, directly into business premises based on the park.

York Data Services, an independent internet service provider (ISP) based in York, has installed the FTTP (Fibre to the Premises) network as part of an investment project to upgrade and futureproof its own, private network infrastructure on the site.

A full fibre, or FTTP, connection requires next generation technology which is rare in a rural business park. Delivered at ultra-high speeds with increased reliability and reduced risk of dropouts, buffering and lag, businesses at Thorp Arch are now able to receive levels of connectivity previously only available to state-of-the-art city centre premises in Leeds or London.

Thorp Arch became a trading estate in 1959 and has since grown into an established business site with 170 regional, national and international businesses employing over 2,000 people over 155-hectares. The businesses range from manufacturing and distribution to service industries.

The park connects to York Data Services’ private, national network directly connecting businesses to the global internet at lightning-fast speeds. Fully resilient, secure and with ultra-low latency, the network is designed to meet the ever-growing demand for high quality connectivity for businesses to maintain their national and global competitive edge.

Tim Munns, Estate Manager, Thorp Arch Estate, said: “Through our long-term relationship with York Data Services, we’re delighted to be able to provide our businesses on the Estate with futureproof connectivity enabling them to compete on a global scale. Our tenants can enjoy the luxuries of the Estate’s parkland setting with the added benefit of city centre level connectivity.”

Mark Fordyce, Managing Director, York Data Services, explained: “The partnership we have with Thorp Arch Estate has enabled the park to be at the forefront of digital connectivity for many years. Full fibre enables growth, increased productivity and efficiency in businesses of all sizes, and we’re committed to investing in our national network.”

York Data Services’ full fibre network is exclusive to its clients across Yorkshire and the UK. The company specialises in providing secure, dedicated and ultra-fast connectivity for businesses, business centres and parks, and multi-site offices.