Worcestershire gets £41.9M Gigabit broadband boost

Worcestershire is set to receive a significant upgrade to its digital infrastructure, with £41.9 million secured through the UK Government’s flagship Project Gigabit broadband rollout scheme. Combined with private investment, this funding is set to propel the county’s gigabit broadband coverage beyond 90%.

The £41.9 million, delivered in partnership with Openreach, will extend gigabit broadband access to an additional 23,800 homes and businesses across Worcestershire. This boost supports Worcestershire County Council’s ambitious target of 90% gigabit coverage by December 2027, contributing to the national goal of 100% coverage by 2030.

Councillor Adam Kent, cabinet member for the economy at Worcestershire County Council, said: “I’m delighted to see this transformative investment in Worcestershire’s digital infrastructure. Our broadband improvement programme has already made a real impact, with more homes and businesses than ever accessing faster, more reliable internet. This latest funding means we can go even further, enabling our residents and businesses to embrace the digital opportunities of the future.

“Through the combination of private and public investment, we’re future-proofing Worcestershire’s connectivity, keeping us competitive and ensuring our communities can thrive in the digital age.”

This project builds on Worcestershire’s existing broadband success, with areas like Bromsgrove, Redditch, and Worcester City Districts already exceeding the UK average for gigabit coverage, boasting rates of 88.2%, 93.28%, and 88.8% respectively (compared to the UK average of 85.87%). The county is on track to meet the Government’s 2025 target of 85% coverage, and this new funding will accelerate progress significantly. Crucially, the investment will reach further into rural communities, ensuring they too are connected. For rural businesses, this unlocks opportunities for innovation, enhances productivity, and opens doors to global markets.

Gigabit-capable broadband offers faster, more reliable internet connections, transforming daily life for residents and businesses. From seamless video streaming and online gaming to hosting virtual meetings and downloading large files in seconds, gigabit broadband unlocks a wealth of possibilities.

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