Let’s back business investment – and go full speed to full fibre

We’re working flat out to deliver the UK’s second largest infrastructure project - bringing full fibre broadband to 25 million homes across the UK, from the Shetlands to the Isles of Scilly.

We’ve made good progress, but there’s more to do

So ahead of the Spring Budget on 15th March 2023, we’re asking the Chancellor to introduce a more competitive system of capital allowances to deliver sustainable long-term growth – and ensure we go full speed to full fibre.

Because with greater support for investment through the tax system, businesses will be able to accelerate and increase investment plans in the near future – and we can deliver ultrafast, ultra-reliable full fibre to the nation.

Driving up productivity and bringing people back into the workforce

Mum and kids using a tablet

New research from Cebr shows that Openreach’s full fibre network could:

  • Boost the UK economy by £72 billion
  • Bring over 530,000 people back into the workforce by 2030, given the ability to work flexibly and remotely – including 157,000 carers, 222,000 parents and 153,000 over-65s

And people across the UK are backing the full fibre roll-out:

  • 83 percent of people see broadband as an essential day-to-day service
  • Nearly 75 percent believe upgrading the UK’s network must be a national priority

Removing roadblocks to the roll-out

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We are also calling on the Government to remove the roadblocks to our build. These include:

  • The introduction of flexi-permitting, which would allow work to a larger area, rather than street-by-street - reducing the level of bureaucracy and boosting efficiency
  • Support to access Multi Dwelling Units (housing where multiple units are contained within one building, like a block of flats), where we have concerns over some missing out on full fibre altogether. 

How you can help the UK go #fullspeedtofullfibre

You can support our campaign by tweeting or posting on social channels using #fullspeedtofullfibre and calling on the Chancellor to:

  • Ensure the right investment framework
  • Remove all roadblocks to the roll-out
  • Deliver the benefits of a full fibre network to the nation

If you’re an MP, Mayor or Councillor, please get in touch at public.affairs@openreach.co.uk to discuss how you can play your part in supporting a pro-growth capital investment agenda, supporting our build, and delivering Full Fibre to your constituents and to the nation.