In a significant stride towards a digitally empowered future, The Rt Hon Gillian Keegan MP recently toured the Openreach exchange in Chichester, where engineers are diligently crafting an ultrafast Full Fibre broadband network. The visit provided insights into the ongoing £45 million investment, aiming to elevate connectivity standards across Chichester and West Sussex.
Mrs. Keegan explored the intricate world of fibre optics and witnessed the delicate art of fibre splicing, a crucial aspect of Openreach’s Full Fibre network, now accessible to over 150,000 properties in West Sussex. This massive investment is a testament to Openreach’s commitment to providing faster and more reliable broadband services to homes and businesses in the region.
Expressing her enthusiasm, Gillian Keegan MP highlighted the necessity for residents to embrace this technological advancement. She emphasized the concerns surrounding slow and unreliable broadband, particularly in rural communities. Keegan sees this investment as a boon for the people of Chichester, fostering progress in employment, education, and entertainment sectors.
Kieran Wines, Openreach’s Partnership Director for the South, echoed the importance of this technological leap, urging locals to stay informed about the ongoing developments. The Openreach fibre checker, regularly updated with progress details, serves as a valuable resource for residents to track the availability of full fibre in specific areas.
Chichester’s inclusion in Openreach’s recent commercial investment announcement signifies the commencement of work in the area. Nearby exchanges in Middleton-on-Sea and Pagham are also part of this upgrade initiative, showcasing Openreach’s commitment to expanding its high-speed network.
Full Fibre technology, touted as up to 10 times faster than the average UK broadband connection, and five times more reliable than its copper-based predecessor, opens doors to a plethora of online services and entertainment. The network caters to diverse preferences with providers like BT, Sky, TalkTalk, Vodafone, and Zen.
As Openreach rapidly advances in its build-out, surpassing 11.5 million premises across the UK, the adoption rate remains robust, with over three million homes and businesses already availing themselves of ultrafast services. This success underscores the growing demand for enhanced connectivity in the digital age.
Chichester and West now stand at the forefront of a transformative digital landscape, with Openreach’s Full Fibre broadband network poised to redefine the region’s digital experience.
