Full fibre broadband rolling out to more rural North Devon communities

More homes in some of North Devon’s most remote communities are set to get full fibre broadband as work continues under the Government’s Project Gigabit programme.

Engineers from Openreach are now working on upgrades to reach more properties in and around Chulmleigh, Winkleigh, Harracott, Kentisbury, Combe Martin, Berrynarbor, Umberleigh, High Bickington, Chapelton, Atherington and Burrington.

The government has also launched a new address checker for those in England and Wales to instantly see if their home or business is covered by existing rollout plans, whether through the Project Gigabit rollout targeting hard-to-reach areas or the telecoms industry’s own plans. 

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UK telecoms minister Liz Lloyd said: “Whether it's families streaming together, farmers being able to use new technology, or businesses reaching more customers online, this upgrade creates real opportunities for communities across Devon.

“Through our Project Gigabit rollout, we’re making sure people across the UK can benefit from the digital world, no matter where they live, and now through our new gov.uk address checker people can quickly see when seamless full fibre broadband will reach their area.”

To date the Government has signed contracts worth £745million with Openreach as part of Project Gigabit. It said the investment is set to benefit more than 297,000 premises across the UK, with another £455m investment available to further help bridge the digital divide.

Martin Williams, Openreach partnership director for Wales and the South West, said: “We’re bringing faster, more reliable broadband to some of the most rural properties in the region and letting 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 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.”

You can check whether gigabit full fibre broadband is available or coming to your area via the online checker at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-your-gigabit-broadband-availability

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