New ultrafast broadband network build starts in Dingwall

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Openreach engineers are starting work on a major new ultrafast broadband network for Dingwall, giving residents and businesses access to some of the fastest, most reliable broadband anywhere in Europe.

The once-in-a-generation, full fibre broadband upgrade will let thousands of local people connect multiple devices at gigabit-capable speeds and help businesses trade online and compete for decades to come.

Engineers are also planning to begin a major build for Fort William this autumn, with both large-scale rollouts expected to reach the majority of local homes and businesses. Work is also continuing in Inverness, reaching thousands more city dwellers.

Across the Highland region, around 28,000 properties can now connect to Openreach’s full fibre network, with more than 50 per cent already moving to the ultrafast technology.

The company is also building fibre to some properties in Auldearn and Spean Bridge as part of the Scottish Government’s Reaching 100% programme. Further R100 upgrades are due to start  in Nairn, Invergarry and villages in the Ardnamurchan peninsula in the coming months.  

Engineers are also working on a large Fibre Community Partnership in Carrbridge, where Openreach co-funds and builds new full fibre networks for areas not included in any other upgrade plans. The scheme uses government vouchers to fill the funding gap.

Fibre technology provides more reliable, resilient and future-proof connectivity, with fewer faults; more predictable, consistent speeds; and enough capacity to easily meet growing data demands.

It boosts every online experience, from seamless streaming and gaming for households to smooth video calls, banking and customer interactions for businesses, with much less buffering or slowdown at busy times.

Robert Thorburn, Openreach Partnership Director for Scotland, said: “We’ve got a lot of work either under way or planned for the Highlands, building on the millions of pounds of investment already made, and demand is strong across the region.

“We’re looking to upgrade as many homes and businesses as possible while our teams are working locally, so we want to let local people know what to expect. Residents will be seeing more engineers, technicians, equipment and vans.

“We work hard to build safely and limit disruption, with loads of support from the Highland Council. Wherever we can, we use our existing network of ducts and poles to avoid roadworks, digging and disturbance.

“But there may be places where we have to put in new poles or underground ducts and cables if it’s the only way to include some people in the upgrade.”

He added: “Full fibre is the UK's most reliable broadband technology*, so when it arrives in communities, it opens up massive digital opportunities. Research shows that connecting everyone in Scotland would bring a multi-billion pound productivity boost too.”

Openreach’s new ultrafast full fibre network now passes more than 1.2 million Scottish properties. The company plans to build to 25 million UK homes and businesses by the end of 2026, with an ambition to reach up to 30 million by the end of the decade.

Openreach build partners Circet and Morrow Group are helping to deliver the Highland roll-out.

Local people can visit openreach.co.uk/ultrafastfullfibre to find out more about the benefits of full fibre, register for updates and, as the build progresses, check their addresses to see when services are available from their chosen provider.

Photos taken by Openreach engineer Victoria McVey as she worked on the new fibre network in the West Highlands.