CGI (TSX: GIB.A) (NYSE: GIB), one of the largest independent IT and business consulting services firms in the world, today announced the successful delivery of ultra-fast rural broadband connectivity to selected sites across Buckinghamshire using Low Earth Orbit satellite technology, along with a free-to-use public wireless service.
This important deployment follows CGI’s successful rollout of ultra-fast rural connectivity across remote areas of Norfolk in 2024, and complements Project Gigabit, the UK government’s flagship £5 billion initiative to bring high-speed reliable broadband to hard-to-reach communities.
CGI’s innovative hybrid solution, delivered in collaboration with Onwave, provides high reliability, low latency, and secure connectivity across poorly-connected village halls in more rural areas, offering residents and businesses the opportunity to access digital services.
Martin Tett, Leader of the Council (Digital Portfolio Holder) at Buckinghamshire Council, said: “Digital connectivity is central not only to the prosperity of Buckinghamshire as we look forward to the future, but also to the quality of life of most of our residents. CGI has partnered with us to develop a well-thought-out and innovative approach to supporting improved connectivity across our region, particularly in those communities that have previously proven hard to reach.”
Ian Dunbar, Senior Vice President of Consulting Services, Media and Communications at CGI in the UK, said: “This project supports Buckinghamshire Council’s programme for connecting rural communities, enhancing everyday life through digital connectivity. Having fast, stable, and reliable connectivity is necessary for Buckinghamshire to deliver key critical services to rural communities and CGI’s hybrid solution, using Low Earth Orbit satellite technology, significantly benefits industries located in remote areas - including agriculture and tourism.”
Fibre-optic internet requires physical cables to be laid underground, which can be expensive and difficult. Laying fibre in these areas takes a long time and may not be cost-effective for a few homes spread out over a large area. Satellite connectivity is a way of accessing the internet using satellites orbiting the Earth instead of cables or wires, and this hybrid solution uses the latest technology to improve speed and reliability.
About CGI
Founded in 1976, CGI is among the largest independent IT and business consulting services firms in the world. With 91,000 consultants and professionals across the globe, CGI delivers an end-to-end portfolio of capabilities, from strategic IT and business consulting to systems integration, managed IT and business process services and intellectual property solutions. CGI works with clients through a local relationship model complemented by a global delivery network that helps clients digitally transform their organizations and accelerate results. CGI Fiscal 2024 reported revenue is CA $14.68 billion and CGI shares are listed on the TSX (GIB.A) and the NYSE (GIB). Learn more at cgi.com.
For more information
Local Media
Paul Butler
External Communications Manager, UK
p.butler@cgi.com
07920 784199
