Openreach publishes latest Full Fibre build plans

Openreach, the UK’s largest wholesale broadband network, has published updated plans about where and when it is building ultra-fast, ultra-reliable Full Fibre broadband across the UK.

As part of its regular programme of build updates, the company has also announced 19 new locations where it plans to deliver gigabit-capable technology to more than  200,000 homes and businesses. The locations are spread across the UK in both rural and urban areas including: Chichester in West Sussex, Broughton in Greater Manchester, Perth in Scotland, and Pantymwyn in Wales.

Overall, a total of 2,829 towns, cities, boroughs, villages and hamlets are now included in the Company’s build programme, which is fundamental to the UK Government achieving its target of delivering ‘gigabit capable broadband’ to 85 per cent of UK by 2025. 

Openreach recently passed more than 11.5 million premises across the UK, including around 3.7m million in the hardest to serve ‘final third’ of the country.

And while we continue to build at pace – we already have more than 3 million homes and businesses that have taken up an ultrafast service over the Openreach network – a healthy take up rate of more than 30 per cent.

In December 2022, Openreach updated its website to include more information about when the build will start in each exchange location and it’s now aiming to update this build information at a minimum of every three months to adjust timings and add new locations as necessary.  

Ultimately the company plans to build Full Fibre to 25 million homes and businesses nationwide by December 2026.

For the most personalised view of an individual home or business, Openreach recommends using its online postcode checker where people can find out the specific broadband connectivity available at their address.  

-ENDS- 

Notes to editors  

List of 19 new Full Fibre build locations: