Work starts to install full-fibre internet in Barnard Castle

Engineers have started work to install full-fibre internet in Barnard Castle.

Openreach says it is doing its best to avoid disruption during the work by using existing ducts, but it may have to install new poles or create underground ducts.

The once-in-a-generation, full-fibre broadband upgrade will let people connect multiple devices at gigabit-capable speeds and help businesses trade online and compete for decades to come.

Fibre technology provides more reliable, resilient and future-proof connectivity, with fewer faults; more predictable, consistent speeds; and enough capacity to easily meet growing data demands.

Kasam Hussain, partnership director for the North and Midlands, said: “We’re bringing full-fibre broadband to Barnard Castle and letting people know what to expect.

“This is a major infrastructure upgrade, so there will be more engineering teams, equipment and vans around town.

“We’re working hard to keep disruption to a minimum. Wherever possible, we’ll use our existing network of ducts and poles to avoid roadworks, new street furniture and disturbance.

“But there may be places where we need to install new poles, underground ducts and fibre cables.

“Openreach is committed to building the best full-fibre network, and doing it sustainably is crucial for our business, the communities we serve, and the environment we all share.

As part of our Let’s Reach Zero strategy, we aim to lower our carbon emissions, use less and waste less material, and protect nature wherever we operate.”

Openreach’s full-fibre network now reaches more than 22 million properties, and the company plans to extend this to 25 million homes and businesses by the end of 2026, with a belief it can reach as many as 30 million by the end of the decade – with the right investment conditions.