Work on the £56m investment in both towns will start in October and will continue through into 2023.

VolkerSmart Technologies – which is a division of VolkerHighways – will excavate 430,000m of new trenches in Swindon and 262,000m in Slough.

The teams will install ducting, before blowing, splicing and finally testing the fibre optic cables giving residents access to the UK’s fastest broadband services.

Where possible, the works will involve a combined installation, incorporating both new underground trenched duct network and existing overhead infrastructure.

Alistair Thompson, managing director of VolkerHighways, said: “It’s great to be part of an enterprise that transforms communities’ digital experiences, by giving them faster and more reliable broadband.”

James Thomas, Director of Supply Chain at CityFibre, said: “We are delighted to be extending our collaboration with VolkerSmart Technologies in Slough and Swindon in order to support the roll-out of new future-proof Full Fibre infrastructure.

“We believe they are capable of being a model build partner, consistently delivering a high standard of work, and at the pace we require.

“Forging long term partnerships with successful, nimble contractors that are able to scale alongside us while being prepared to work closely with the local communities we serve is a key aim for us.

“VolkerSmart Technologies is a great example of this and we look forward to working with them for years to come.”