Press Release
Amber Infrastructure (‘Amber’), a leading originator of infrastructure projects and manager of infrastructure funds, today announces its appointment by the Infrastructure and Projects Authority (‘IPA’), part of HM Treasury and the Cabinet Office, as manager of the National Digital Infrastructure Fund (‘NDIF’).
NDIF forms an element of the UK Government’s landmark Digital Infrastructure Investment Fund (‘DIIF’), a competitive financing initiative established to provide greater access to commercial finance for UK digital infrastructure and, in doing so, foster enhanced connectivity nationwide; a central objective in the government’s productivity agenda.
NDIF will be specifically targeting investment in digital fibre-based broadband networks and related businesses to boost the deployment of full-fibre connections and ultrafast broadband access across the UK. NDIF expects mainly to make loans (including subordinated loans) but may also make equity investments and will provide its investors with access to a wide range of full fibre investment opportunities.
HM Treasury will commit £400 million to UK digital infrastructure via DIIF over a period of 4 years. At least £150 million of this will be allocated to NDIF, to be match-funded by the private sector. Amber, together with International Public Partnerships, (‘INPP’) the FTSE 250 infrastructure investment fund to which it is Investment Adviser, are acting as cornerstone investors for the first close, investing £5 million and £45 million respectively.
Giles Frost, CEO of Amber Infrastructure said: “We see full fibre to the home broadband connectivity as becoming part of the core infrastructure of the future – just as gas and electricity distribution are today. Our strong record of establishing and delivering success through innovative partnerships between the public and private sectors will help accelerate the roll out of ultrafast connectivity. We look forward to helping the Government and the other investors in the National Digital Infrastructure Fund meet the twin objectives of increased ultrafast broadband access and attractive investment returns.”
