MP sees broadband boost for Bridgwater constituency
Bridgwater’s MP has met Openreach engineers to see how the broadband network provider is helping boost connectivity for local residents whilst supporting major developments - like the new Agratas facility.
Sir Ashley Fox MP met engineers in Puriton to see the preparatory work to bring Full Fibre to the village and nearby Woolavington, which will give locals access to faster, more reliable broadband.
Surveying work has already started.
Almost 33,000 homes and businesses in the Bridgwater constituency are able to access faster, more reliable broadband through Openreach’s network. Further work will be taking place in the coming months to reach more homes and businesses to full fibre broadband.
In addition to upgrading service for local villages, Openreach is also building a bespoke link to the Agratas site near Bridgwater, which is set to become one of the largest battery manufacturing facilities in the UK.
Full fibre technology offers a faster, more reliable broadband connection. The once-in-a-generation technology enables locals to connect multiple devices at gigabit-capable speeds and will help businesses trade online and compete for decades to come.
People living in the area can see if they can upgrade to full fibre by visiting Openreach’s full fibre checker.
Sir Ashley Fox MP said: "I was delighted to visit Openreach’s Puriton site and see the impressive progress being made in delivering full fibre broadband across Somerset. Earlier in the year I wrote to Openreach arguing that if they were going to be connecting Gravity to the fibre network then they should investigate whether they could use this as opportunity to bring forward plans to extend their fibre rollout plans to local residents as well. I am delighted to say that over the next ten months Openreach will be upgrading the broadband network to more than 1,200 premises across Puriton .
“This investment is vital for ensuring our communities remain connected, competitive, and resilient in an increasingly digital world. I commend Openreach for their commitment to expanding infrastructure and supporting regional growth. I also know that there are other communities in the Bridgwater constituency still awaiting connection and I will continue to push the Government to make this happen.”
The visit was hosted by Martin Williams, Openreach Partnership Director for the South West, who said: “It was great to meet Sir Ashley and show him the work we’re doing to bring the latest broadband technology to Puriton and Woolavington.
“Full Fibre isn’t just about faster broadband for residents – it’s a vital tool for local businesses, helping them grow, innovate, and compete in a digital economy. Our bespoke connection to the Agratas site is a great example of how we’re supporting major investment and job creation in the region.”
Full Fibre technology offers a faster, more reliable connection that keeps up with the demands of today’s digital world.
Whether streaming your favourite show, gaming online, making a video call, managing your finances, or running a business, full fibre keeps everything running smoothly.
Packages from the widest range of broadband providers are also increasingly competitively priced, meaning people may pay similar, or even less, per month than their current bill for a much-improved service.
Openreach’s full fibre network now reaches more than 20 million properties, and the company plans to extend this to 25 million homes and businesses by the end of 2026, with a belief it can reach as many as 30 million by the end of the decade – with the right investment conditions.
