South,
08
February
2023
|
17:38
Europe/Amsterdam

New ultrafast broadband network for Frome

Openreach starts work on the new network

Openreach engineers in Frome

Openreach is starting work to build a new ultrafast broadband network for Frome – giving residents and businesses access to some of the fastest, most reliable broadband anywhere in the UK.

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

Engineers are starting work this month and the build will reach the majority of local homes and businesses over the next 12-18 months.

Openreach engineer in Frome

Engineers are starting work this month and the build will reach the majority of local homes and businesses over the next 12-18 months.

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

Local people can visit the Openreach website for updates and, as the build progresses, check their addresses to see when services are available from their chosen provider.

Drew Barrett, Senior Engineering Manager for Openreach, said: “We’re all set to bring ultrafast broadband to Frome and we want to let local people know what to expect.

“This is a major infrastructure upgrade, so there will be more engineering teams, equipment and vans around town, and we're working closely with Somerset County Council to keep disruption to a minimum.

“Wherever possible, we’ll use our existing network of ducts and poles to avoid roadworks, new street furniture and disturbance. But there may be places where we need to install new poles, underground ducts and fibre cables because it’s the only way to make sure households get included in the upgrade.

“We’re using the latest technology, like tiny underground cameras that inspect ducts for blockages and help us avoid digging up the streets wherever possible.”

Openreach engineers in Frome

He added: “Frome is part of our balanced build across the West, which includes more than 170 rural and coastal exchange areas. We want to make sure that progress is evenly spread and that people in all parts of the West can be online effortlessly and build opportunities in their community. Connecting everyone in the region to our fastest and most reliable broadband would result in a multi-billion pound economic boost.”

Openreach’s new ultrafast Full Fibre network in the South West now reaches more than 800,000 properties, and the Company plans to roll out the new technology to 25 million homes by the end of 2026. Thousands of residents in 80 exchange areas already have access and investment is planned in 140 other local locations.

You can find out more about the benefits of an upgrade to Full Fibre broadband here.