A £16.6 million project to deliver ultrafast broadband to more “hard-to-reach” towns and villages in Staffordshire is gathering pace.
Around 10,000 properties are now ready to connect to the 100 per cent fibre optic network provided by broadband company FullFibre, through its Fibre Heroes brand, and supported by Staffordshire County Council.
Leek and Cheadle already have around half of their properties live and ready to be connected. Work has now also started in Upper Tean, Kinver and Tutbury with more communities earmarked for later in 2023.
The scheme is seen as essential to companies operating in the area as the aim is to give local homes and businesses access to fast 1Gbps downloads speeds.
Simon Tagg, Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, said: “The £16.6 million project will enable people to access health, education, banking and leisure services and is critical for business operations, growth and increased productivity.
“It’s great news that 10,000 Staffordshire properties are now ready to connect to ultrafast broadband through Fibre Heroes and we’d like to commend its team for the rapid roll-out.”
Matt Smith, Head of Public Procurement & Engagement at FullFibre, said: “Our teams continue to build at pace in the region, working to connect these hard-to-reach towns and villages typically over-looked by larger providers.
“As the progress of our builds gains momentum we look forward to announce more live premises later in 2023.”
Businesses and residents can access the new services through any broadband provider active in the area.
To stay up to date on the progress of the build in the county, click here.
