Openreach is embarking on a significant infrastructure project to introduce an ultrafast broadband network to Frome, providing residents and businesses in the area with access to some of the fastest and most reliable broadband services in the UK.
The Full Fibre broadband upgrade is being described as a once-in-a-generation project, enabling thousands of local residents and businesses to connect numerous devices at gigabit-capable speeds. This initiative is expected to have a profound impact on facilitating online trade and ensuring competitiveness for decades to come.
Engineers are commencing work this month, with plans to extend the network to the majority of local homes and businesses within the next 12 to 18 months.
Full Fibre broadband offers enhanced reliability, resilience, and future-proof connectivity, resulting in fewer faults, consistent speeds, and the capacity to easily accommodate growing data demands.
Local residents can stay informed about the progress of this initiative by visiting the Openreach website and checking their addresses to determine when services will be available from their chosen provider as the build progresses.
Drew Barrett, Senior Engineering Manager for Openreach, emphasized the company’s commitment to bringing ultrafast broadband to Frome while minimizing disruption. The project involves an increase in engineering teams, equipment, and vans in the town. Openreach is collaborating closely with Somerset County Council to ensure minimal disruption during the construction phase.
Barrett highlighted the use of cutting-edge technology in this endeavor, including tiny underground cameras that inspect ducts for blockages, helping to avoid the need for extensive street excavation.
Frome is part of Openreach’s comprehensive expansion across the West, encompassing over 170 rural and coastal exchange areas. The goal is to ensure equitable progress so that residents throughout the region can easily access the internet, fostering opportunities within their communities. The completion of the ultrafast and reliable broadband rollout across the entire region is expected to result in a multi-billion pound economic boost.
Openreach’s new ultrafast Full Fibre network in the South West already covers more than 800,000 properties, with plans to extend this technology to 25 million homes by the end of 2026. Currently, thousands of residents across 80 exchange areas have access, and additional investments are planned in 140 other local locations.
