Norfolk's Broadband Boost: Full Fibre Rollout Aims to Close Connectivity Gap

In a significant development for residents of Norfolk, the accessibility of full fibre broadband is set to improve, although challenges remain. According to a recent report by Ofcom, all districts within the county were found to be languishing in the bottom half of the UK league table concerning full fibre accessibility. This revelation has spurred action from local officials who are eager to enhance digital connectivity across the region. Jane James, the Conservative county councillor responsible for innovation, highlighted the discrepancy between current broadband speeds and modern demands. While she noted that over 97% of Norfolk has access to superfast broadband, she pointed out that the term "superfast" only equates to speeds of 24 megabits per second (MBps). “This is great news, until you realise that superfast isn't always fast enough for today's needs,” James stated. The transformation to full fibre broadband is particularly crucial, as it promises to replace outdated copper wires with advanced fibre optic cables. This migration is aimed at delivering not only faster speeds but also a more stable internet connection, minimizing drop-outs and outages that have plagued users for years. James expressed optimism about the ongoing investment by BT Openreach, which is spearheading the transition to full fibre technology across the county. Acknowledging the urgency of the situation, James's team has been actively lobbying for improvements in connectivity throughout Norfolk. She emphasized the importance of enlisting the new Members of Parliament representing Norfolk to advocate for increased governmental support for broadband initiatives. “With collective effort, we can push for more robust infrastructure that meets the growing demands of our communities,” James remarked. In addition to broadband advancements, the county is also taking strides towards improving mobile network accessibility. To gather comprehensive data on mobile signals, James's officers are utilizing trackers placed on bin lorries across the region to monitor 5G connections. The move comes in light of recent adjustments that saw certain 3G capacity being decommissioned to facilitate the rollout of 4G and 5G networks. “We need the evidence to make sure what they say they’re providing, they are actually providing,” James emphasized, underscoring the need for transparency and accountability from service providers. As Norfolk prepares for a future with enhanced digital infrastructure, local leaders remain committed to ensuring that every resident and business has access to reliable and high-speed internet. This undertaking is not only about keeping pace with the digital age but also about fostering economic growth and ensuring that all communities can thrive in a connected world.