In a remarkable digital transformation, Pluckley, Kent, infamous as the most haunted village in Britain, has stepped into the future with Openreach’s ultrafast Full Fibre broadband. Overcoming the spectral shadows of “The Screaming Man” and “The Red Lady,” the village now boasts connectivity as its latest ghost-free triumph.
Pluckley, Kent: No Longer Haunted by Slow Broadband
Pluckley residents, utilizing the UK Government’s Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme in collaboration with Openreach, have bid farewell to sluggish internet speeds. Recognized by Guinness World Records for its ghostly tales and as the idyllic backdrop for “The Darling Buds of May,” Pluckley’s digital transformation involved a partnership between local residents, the UK Government, and Openreach.
Chief Engineer Andy Whale expressed satisfaction with the results, highlighting the collaborative efforts of engineers, residents, and authorities to overcome the challenges of bringing Full Fibre to rural landscapes. Pluckley’s success, part of Openreach’s expansive Fibre Community Partnerships, exemplifies the potential when communities unite for technological advancement.
Ultrafast Full Fibre: A Boon for 600 Homes and Businesses
The project has successfully elevated Pluckley’s connectivity, enabling more than 600 homes and businesses to upgrade to ultrafast Full Fibre, delivering speeds of up to one gigabit per second (1000 mbps). Openreach’s network, renowned for its diverse choice of broadband providers including BT, Sky, TalkTalk, Vodafone, and Zen, provides residents with a range of options for enhanced services.
According to community lead Paul Dracott, who initiated the project, feedback from residents has been overwhelmingly positive. Businesses now experience a transformative shift in internet capabilities, while remote workers can seamlessly log in from the comfort of their homes. The additional network capacity ensures future businesses and newly-built properties in the area can also benefit from ultrafast speeds.
Minister Applauds Improved Connectivity
Minister for Data and Digital Infrastructure, Sir John Whittingdale, commended the improved connectivity, emphasizing the importance of universal access to fast and reliable broadband. The £210 million investment in Gigabit Broadband Vouchers aims to connect homes and businesses, fostering growth and opportunity.
South East’s Economic Boost: A Digital Ripple Effect
A report by the Centre for Economics & Business Research (Cebr) highlights the potential economic boost of £8.7 billion to the South East by connecting everyone to Full Fibre broadband. This significant investment unlocks smarter working methods, enhances public services, and creates opportunities for the region’s burgeoning businesses.
Openreach’s commitment extends to 339 exchange areas across the South East, with plans to invest in Full Fibre broadband, including the “hardest-to-reach” regions. The overarching ambition aims to connect 25 million UK homes and businesses to Full Fibre by the end of 2026. Pluckley’s digital leap serves as a testament to Openreach’s dedication to bridging the connectivity gap in diverse communities.
