Openreach starts ultrafast broadband build in Penistone
Openreach engineers have started work to build a new ultrafast broadband network for Penistone – 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.
The new technology is more reliable, more resilient and future-proof; with fewer faults; predictable, consistent speeds and enough capacity to easily meet growing data demands.
Dane Packer, Openreach Senior Engineering Manager, said: “Work is underway to bring ultrafast broadband to Penistone and we want to let local people know what to expect.
“This is a major infrastructure upgrade, so you will see more of our engineers, vans and equipment out and about but 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 or underground ducts because it’s the only way to make sure as many premises as possible are included in the upgrade.”
Once up and running Penistone residents will be able to enjoy a host of online services such as seamless streaming, and smooth online gaming experiences. While businesses can operate with certainty that their broadband will support all the day-to-day, business critical tasks such as video calls, banking and customer interaction via social media platforms.
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.
Dane added: ”Switching to full fibre is easy and may even be cheaper than your existing broadband package but it’s important to remember that upgrades don’t happen automatically. People need to contact, and place orders through, their broadband service provider to take advantage.
“As our engineering build continues across the Barnsley area we’re determined to deliver a great service to local residents, helping people to work from home easily and build connections and opportunities in their communities.”
Openreach’s new ultrafast Full Fibre network across the Barnsley local authority area now reaches around 22,000 homes and businesses with thousands of residents in Goldthorpe and Hoyland, already able to benefit. Investment is planned in other local locations such as Barnsley (town), Cudworth, Darton, Royston, Silkstone, Stocksbridge (1,200 homes and businesses which are situated within Barnsley local authority area) and Wombwell.
You can find out more about the benefits of an upgrade to Full Fibre broadband here.
