More rural properties getting up to speed as part of Superfast Northamptonshire broadband upgrade

More rural Northamptonshire towns and villages will be able to click quicker thanks to plans to deliver speedier broadband.

Gigaclear, the rural broadband provider, says it will expand its fibre network for the multi-million pound Superfast Northamptonshire project adding 700 properties in Blatherwycke, Braunston, Flore, Grafton Underwood, Nether Heyford, Oundle, Silverstone, Stanwick, and Upper Heyford.

This announcement supports the County Council’s local target to have full-fibre broadband in 40 per cent of the region by the end of 2023.

Jason Smithers, cabinet member with responsibility for digital infrastructure says: “This extension of our plans with Gigaclear will bring massive connectivity benefits to more people, young and old, living and running businesses in rural Northamptonshire.

"Poor networks in these areas are a massive frustration to many. Our investment in full fibre networks will ensure that we not only address the data demands of today but can also meet those of tomorrow.

“Businesses in particular need support to bounce back from the economic impact of Covid-19. Access to symmetrical gigabit capable broadband can be the tool to open up worldwide opportunities.

"It can also be transformational in the home for those suffering poor speeds; for school children and those people needing to work or access services from home. Simply providing a means to connect with family, friends and social groups can change people’s quality of life."

Funding for the work is a combination of public and private investment, totalling £15.7million including a £4.5m contribution from the County Council, £2m from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, £3.5m from BDUK and over £5.7m from Gigaclear.

Gigaclear regional manager, Catherine Warren, at Gigaclear, said: “Covid-19 has highlighted just how vital ultrafast connectivity is to modern life, which is why we’re determined to reach communities left behind by other providers.

“Connecting rural areas to ultrafast internet isn’t easy and there are plenty of civil engineering challenges to overcome, but the end result is worth it.

"The extra homes and businesses set to be connected to our network have been suffering from internet speeds as slow as 1Mbps, making even simple online activities impossible. We’ll be providing speeds of up to 1Gbps – as fast as the internet in Silicon Valley.”