Full fibre broadband arrives in the North West
Millions of homes are set to be upgraded to a faster, more reliable type of broadband that will help shape the UK’s future. It’s called full fibre to the home, or FTTH, and it delivers gigabit ready speeds direct to your home via a fibre optic cable.
Here’s a look at the UK’s full fibre rollout plans and when you can expect to get your fibre ready connection.
Why do we need full fibre?
The UK’s copper telephone network infrastructure – some of which was installed over 100 years ago – has helped deliver broadband to 96% of homes.
But these copper wires can’t handle the UK’s 21st-century data needs. The coronavirus pandemic underlined the importance of a reliable internet connection. Other reasons include a greater shift towards more digital services and a new, tech-based economy where people can work from anywhere.
In other words, the UK’s infrastructure urgently needs an upgrade. And FTTH is the answer. This new broadband is faster, secure, and 100% future proof.
A full fibre future for the whole of the UK
Following public consultation, OFCOM announced that it would regulate and work with the telecoms industry to help deliver FTTH broadband to over 95% of homes within the next five years.
And, along with the UK government, it’s aiming for total, national coverage by 2030.
Dame Melanie Dawes is the Ofcom Chief Executive. She says,
“Over the past year, being connected has never mattered more. But millions of homes are still using the copper lines that were first laid over 100 years ago.”
“Now it’s time to ramp up the rollout of better broadband across the UK. We’re playing our part – setting the right conditions for companies to step up and invest in the country’s full-fibre future. This is a once-in-a-century chance to help make the UK a world-leading digital economy.”
Better broadband for everyone
OFCOM has introduced new regulations designed to encourage more competition in the market. By enabling smaller, independent FTTH providers to compete with the likes of BT, OFCOM is protecting consumers from higher prices.
These important regulations will also ensure that broadband companies are incentivised to build FTTH networks in smaller towns and rural areas. It means everyone in the UK will have the opportunity to benefit from this new, high powered digital network.
FTTH rollouts across the North West
The North West has some of the UK’s most digitally deprived areas. Digital exclusion is a major socio-economic factor that leads to poorer life outcomes for those affected.
Thankfully, the FTTH North West rollout will make sure none of these people are left behind.
More than 220,000 homes and businesses across Cheshire, Lancashire, Greater Manchester and Merseyside are currently being upgraded to FTTH thanks to a £77m investment by Openreach.
The build will provide a “new, ultrafast, ultra-reliable ‘full fibre’ broadband” network to premises in Chatburn, Irlam, Macclesfield, Nelson, Oldham, Ramsbottom, Rossendale, Shaw, Simonswood, Tottington, and Wilmslow.
Openreach is the UK’s largest digital network provider. It’s used by more than 660 service providers, including many smaller, independent networks that specialise in delivering FTTH to towns, villages, and isolated rural areas.
The new build is a major step in creating the infrastructure the North West needs.
And this is only the beginning…
The plans are part of a broader initiative between local government and providers to connect over 900,000 homes and businesses in the region to FTTH.
Robert Thorburn, Openreach’s regional director for the North, said:
“Good connectivity is vital – whether it’s to work from home, access education and care services, or for gaming and streaming entertainment – and that’s why we’re investing billions.
“We’ve already reached thousands of homes in the North West. Many North West communities are already benefiting, and we plan to reach many more in the coming months and years.”
FTTH is coming to an area near you soon. So keep an eye out for any more news. This is one network you need to be a part of.
