Openreach have upgraded the English city of Salisbury to Full Fibre broadband in less than 12 months.
Engineers began their work in March 2019 and completed the work 12 months later. The announcement was delayed due to the onset of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Just 800 homes and businesses have so far upgraded to the new Full Fibre service, but recent research commissioned by the infrastructure provider indicates the network could bring a range of economic, social and environmental benefits as the city looks to bounce back from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“For Salisbury’s homes, shops, GP surgeries and schools, it will mean fewer broadband faults, faster connections, and a consistent reliable network that will serve the city for decades to come. From home-working to healthcare, digital trade to entertainment, the possibilities that this new network can bring are almost limitless,” said Clive Selley, CEO, Openreach.
Engineers on the project were the first in the world to use new super small connectorized block terminals (CBTs) that discreetly connect fibre cables to people’s homes. The slimline units are designed to connect up-to eight premises in one go, without having to erect new poles. They also blend in with surroundings, helping to preserve the character of Salisbury’s historic buildings. More than 200 have been deployed across the city centre, serving around 1,500 homes and businesses.
From December, Openreach plans to switch off the old copper network, taking the cathedral city towards a fibre-only future.
