In a significant stride towards enhancing digital connectivity, Openreach has achieved a noteworthy milestone in Bristol, with 65% of the city now having access to some of the fastest and most reliable broadband in Europe. This achievement, representing over 145,000 homes and businesses, is a result of a substantial multi-million-pound commercial investment by Openreach, the UK’s largest wholesale broadband network.
Over the past couple of years, Openreach has undertaken a comprehensive upgrade of Bristol’s telecommunications network, transitioning from copper to fibre optics. The recent milestone aligns with the city’s celebration of 650 years since being granted important rights and privileges by Royal Charter. This year also marks 65 years since HM The Queen made the inaugural subscriber trunk dialled telephone call from the Bristol telephone exchange to the Lord Provost of Edinburgh.
With a total investment exceeding £43 million, Openreach’s ultrafast, ultra-reliable Full Fibre network covers exchange areas including Bedminster, Bishopsworth, Bristol South, Bristol North, Bristol West, Easton, Eastville, Whitchurch, and Westbury-on-Trym. Ongoing build efforts are extending to Redcliffe, Avonmouth, and Stoke Bishop, while investments are also being made in surrounding areas such as Almondsbury, Chipping Sodbury, Clevedon, Keynsham, Long Ashton, Portishead, Wrington, and Yatton.
The new technology offers speeds up to ten times faster than the average UK broadband connection and is approximately five times more reliable than the outdated copper-based network it replaces. Notably, around 30% of residents have already adopted the Full Fibre service where available, just below the UK average of 33%.
Openreach’s investment has had a tangible impact on various community entities, including a Scout Hut in St Andrews, where more than 320 scouts from the 63rd Bristol Scout Group can now seamlessly stream and access online content. Matt Lloyd, Scout Leader, emphasized the transformative effect on their activities, enabling improved access to videos and enhanced educational sessions.
Martin Williams, Openreach’s Partnership Director for the South West, expressed the company’s commitment to delivering a service that contributes to the community’s growth and supports flexible working arrangements. Williams highlighted the research indicating the positive impact of the new network on businesses and families, providing future-proof connectivity.
Bristol Director for Business West, Victoria Matthews, commended Openreach’s investment, noting its significance at a time when enhanced connectivity is crucial for regional economic growth. A report by the Centre for Economics & Business Research (Cebr) underscores the potential economic boost of connecting everyone in the South West to Full Fibre broadband, estimating a £4.3 billion contribution to the local economy.
As Openreach continues to expand its Full Fibre network, the focus remains on providing businesses and residents with reliable, high-speed broadband, unlocking opportunities and fostering economic development in the region.
