Openreach Urges Residents to Pool Gigabit Vouchers

Swindon residents are being urged to get behind a bid to make ultrafast, ultra-reliable full fibre broadband available.

14:47 14 January 2021

Openreach is urging people living in Wombourne and Wall Heath to pool Gigabit vouchers to secure ultrafast, ultra-reliable full fibre broadband. The vouchers are awarded by the UK government as part of an initiative to help build a new, gigabit-capable broadband network, where fibre is run directly from the exchange all the way to each property. 

 

Kasam Hussain, Openreach’s partnership director for the Midlands, said: “This is a really exciting opportunity for people living in Swindon.

 

“Everyone who pledges a voucher will be doing their bit to help make this area become one of the best-connected places in Staffordshire. Pledging couldn’t be simpler, but we need residents to act quickly – as the scheme closes in March 2021.”

 

Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for infrastructure, Councillor Julia Jessel, said: “Having access to full fibre technology and the ultra-high quality, high speed broadband it delivers is a key priority for our council. Access to this infrastructure will make a huge difference to local businesses and residents, creating opportunities in the economy, education and leisure. I urge residents to consider pledging their Gigabit broadband vouchers for the common good and help to make sure that everyone can benefit. It’s common sense."

 

Residents can claim vouchers if they commit to ordering a full fibre service from a provider of their choice for at least 12 months once the new network is available. Eligible residents can be awarded up to £1,500 for rural homes and up to £3,500 for small and medium-sized businesses under the UK Government's Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme.