Original article: Bridport News, 27 January 2020
Beaminster’s broadband is getting an upgrade!
In recent news, it was announced that Beaminster (among a few other Dorset Towns) is on the list to receive ultrafast, ultra-reliable and future-proof broadband. According to OpenReach, Beaminster will benefit from the new rollout as part of a larger initiative to connect 227 ‘harder to reach’ areas across the UK with a more connected infrastructure which is due to kick off in the next 14 months. Openreach previously stated that they have a target to reach 4 million homes and businesses with ‘full fibre’ technology by the end of March 2021.
Recent ‘cost-busting’ village trials launched at the end of 2019 saw engineers develop a range of new tools, skills and techniques to help Openreach build full fibre in areas previously considered too complex or expensive to upgrade.
The Bridport News article goes on to say:
“Matthew Galley, Openreach’s Partnership Director in the West of England, said: “This is great news for people living and working here and builds on Openreach’s strong track record of working in rural areas, for years playing a key role alongside local councils to upgrade nearly 95 per cent of the South West of England to superfast broadband. Today’s announcement is about taking that next step and building a full fibre network that is not only faster, but also more reliable and future-proof for generations to come.”
There are clear economic benefits to building full fibre in rural areas. A report by the Centre for Economics & Business Research (Cebr) – “Full fibre broadband: A platform for growth” – commissioned by Openreach in 2019, revealed that connecting everyone in the South West of England to ‘full fibre’ broadband by 2025 would create a £4.3 billion boost to the region’s economy”
Beaminster has become a hub for people who choose to work remotely, reducing the need for unnecessary commuting, with a greater focus on quality of life, by being based in the countryside. With this improved focus on network infrastructure, it is a welcomed addition to the town.
According to the same article, the report also revealed that “42,000 people in the region could be brought back into the workforce through enhanced connectivity. This could include roles within small businesses and entrepreneurs – as well as allowing thousands more people to work remotely., by unlocking smarter ways of working, better public services and greater opportunities for the next-generation of home-grown businesses.”
For more information on the detail, visit the Bridport News for more.
