Massive Broadband Boost: Cornwall Set for Major Full Fibre Upgrade

Eight New Locations to Benefit from Openreach’s Extensive Broadband Expansion

In a significant development for Cornwall, Openreach has announced the expansion of its Full Fibre broadband to more than 7,500 additional homes and businesses. The latest upgrade will extend to eight new locations, including Dobwalls, St Tudy, and the Isles of Scilly.

What is Full Fibre Technology

Broadband Expansion Across Cornwall

Residents and businesses in Cockwells, Constantine, Dobwalls, Rilla Mill, St Mawes, St Tudy, Threewaters, and the Isles of Scilly are set to benefit from the new Full Fibre infrastructure. These areas join the over 155,000 homes and businesses across Cornwall that already have access to the UK’s most reliable broadband technology, thanks to Openreach’s ongoing efforts.

National Rollout Plans

This expansion is part of Openreach’s broader strategy to enhance digital infrastructure across the UK. The company has revealed plans to build Full Fibre broadband in 517 additional locations, covering an impressive 2.7 million homes and businesses nationwide.

Martin Williams, Openreach’s regional director for the South West, highlighted the scale and speed of the project. “This is a huge infrastructure success story across the region. No company is building faster or further in Europe, that we’re aware of,” said Williams. He emphasised that the company plans to continue its efforts across the region, reaching more cities, towns, and rural communities.

Local Impact and Opportunities

Openreach’s network in Cornwall currently offers a wide choice of providers, including BT, Sky, TalkTalk, Vodafone, and Zen. Despite the availability, only 41% of premises across Cornwall that can order the new ultrafast service have done so. Williams encouraged residents to check the fibre availability in their area and place an order with their chosen provider to take advantage of the new infrastructure.

According to research by the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr) the Full Fibre transformation could give a £72bn boost to the output of the UK economy in 2030. This is the equivalent of 294,960 new SMEs being created across the country or adding 25 new businesses in every local council in the UK.

Openreach’s network will contribute to the growth of the UK economy by connecting people and businesses in Cornwall and beyond.

For the most personalised view of an individual home or business, Openreach recommends using its online postcode checker where people can find out the specific Openreach broadband connectivity available at their address.

Investment in the Future

This expansion is part of Openreach’s £15 billion project to upgrade the UK’s broadband infrastructure. The goal is to make gigabit-capable technology available to 25 million homes and businesses by the end of 2026, including 6.2 million in remote and rural areas. Currently, more than 4.7 million homes and businesses across the UK have upgraded to Full Fibre, with over 50,000 new orders being placed each week.

To assist residents and businesses in understanding the progress and availability of Full Fibre, Openreach has refreshed its online map and postcode checker. These tools provide an updated view of current and future fibre coverage, offering a personalised insight into the connectivity available at individual premises.

As Openreach continues to roll out its Full Fibre network, further updates will be provided, bringing high-speed internet access to even more locations in the future.