More than 150,000 homes in three counties are set to benefit from full-fibre broadband.

CityFibre, the UK's largest independent full-fibre platform, began work on October 24 to connect homes and businesses in rural areas of east Berkshire and Buckinghamshire to the next generation of broadband as part of the government's Project Gigabit programme.

Work is set to start in Hertfordshire in 2025.

This project has been made possible by a £58 million subsidy from Project Gigabit to CityFibre, alongside the company's own additional investment to further expand its network.

The counties of east Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Hertfordshire have been grouped under one Project Gigabit 'Lot', which CityFibre successfully bid for and won.

Greg Mesch, chief executive officer at CityFibre, said: "We’re thrilled to be bringing world-class digital infrastructure to East Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Hertfordshire, helping to ensure no one is left behind.

"With build now underway, we look forward to helping communities free themselves from the copper networks of the past and experience next generation full fibre services that are revolutionising how people work, relax and communicate."

The new network will provide residents and businesses with access to a wide range of internet service providers, including well-known brands like Vodafone, TalkTalk, and Zen, as well as several new providers.

Sky's full-fibre broadband will also become available on CityFibre's network from next year.

Residents and businesses will be contacted ahead of any work starting.