Tonbridge and Malling MP, The Rt Hon Tom Tugendhat, recently visited Openreach engineers to gain insight into the innovative engineering methods employed in the rollout of ultrafast Full Fibre broadband throughout his constituency.
During his visit, Tugendhat toured the operational sites, including areas where this technology has already reached 20,000 homes and businesses locally, with hundreds of thousands more benefiting in various locations across Kent.
Edenbridge became part of Openreach’s full fibre project in June 2021. Since then, engineers have been diligently working not only in Edenbridge but also in neighboring areas such as Lingfield, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks, and Tonbridge. This concerted effort is expected to continue throughout 2023.
The meeting with Tugendhat offered an opportunity for the Openreach team to elucidate the simultaneous development of Full Fibre infrastructure in both urban and rural areas. Additionally, they highlighted recent announcements regarding the expansion of Full Fibre broadband to thousands more local premises.
Mr. Tugendhat’s visit to the local exchange provided a firsthand look at where the Openreach network originates. He also delved into the intricacies of fibre optics and how Full Fibre technology is future-proofing connections for generations to come.
Expressing his thoughts on the visit, Tom Tugendhat MP stated, “I was delighted to be able to come and see firsthand the work Openreach is doing to improve and upgrade the provision of broadband in our area. I know that this is a really important issue for many residents across our villages, and the progress, through technology, which is being made to deliver better and faster broadband is vital, not only to individuals and families within their homes but also for the many small enterprises and businesses who support our local economy and for whom a good and reliable broadband connection is so important.”
Alastair Woods, Openreach’s regional major programmes director for the South, hosted the visit and expressed his welcoming sentiments, highlighting the dedication of Openreach engineers in keeping communities across Kent and the broader region connected.
