Openreach building Full Fibre in Shotts
Openreach has started work to build a new ultrafast broadband network for Shotts – 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 and businesses connect multiple devices at gigabit-capable speeds and help businesses to trade online and compete for decades to come.
Engineers have started work in the town and the build is expected to 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.
Residents can enjoy a host of online services and entertainment, with seamless streaming and smooth online gaming. The technology also supports day-to-day, business critical tasks like video calls, banking and online customer interactions.
Local people can visit openreach.co.uk/ultrafastfullfibre to register for updates and, as the build progresses, check their addresses to see when services are available from their chosen provider.
Robert Thorburn, Openreach’s Partnership Director for Scotland, said: “We’re bringing ultrafast broadband to Shotts. This is a major infrastructure upgrade, so there will be more engineering teams, equipment and vans around town, and we're working hard 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.”
He added: “Shotts is part of our balanced build across Scotland, which includes more than 200 rural towns and villages. We want to make sure that progress is evenly spread and that people in all parts of Scotland can be online effortlessly and build opportunities in their community. Connecting everyone in Scotland to our fastest and most reliable broadband would result in a multi-billion pound economic boost.”
Openreach’s new ultrafast Full Fibre network in Scotland now reaches 949,000 properties, and the company plans to roll out the new technology to 25 million homes and businesses by the end of 2026.
Openreach build partner Morrison Telecom Services (MTS) is helping to deliver the investment in Shotts.
Darren Kelly, MTS Regional Director for Scotland, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Openreach on this project to bring ultrafast broadband to Shotts. We believe this major investment will have a positive impact on residents and businesses alike. At Morrison Telecom Services, we have a proven track record of delivering broadband networks and are confident that we will deliver this project to the highest standards with the collaborative relationship we have with Openreach.”
