BT to roll out new full fibre network in Northumberland

Charlotte Whyatt • 17 Jul 2020

It will connect up libraries, council offices and other public sector buildings. 

BT will deploy a new gigabit-capable full fibre network in Northumberland, the North of Tyne Authority has announced. 

The Authority, which consists of representatives from Northumberland, Newcastle and North Tyneside, revealed that the telecommunications giant will connect up some 271 public sites including libraries and council offices.

It forms part of the larger Northumberland Gigabit Project which aims to equip its most rural areas with access to a speedy internet connection. 

Funding will come from the £932,111 put forward by Northumberland County Council plus £12 million from the government’s Local Full Fibre Networks fund. 

BT were originally set to connect up 900 buildings throughout Northumberland but the project has been scaled back. 

Work has already begun and it’s their aim to finish entirely by 2022.

“Our world-class full fibre network will help transform Northumberland’s digital connectivity potential,” said BT’s director for enterprise Sarah Walker.

“We will provide ultrafast broadband speeds that will enable faster and more reliable connections for people across the county.

“We are pleased to be supporting Northumberland County Council’s digital ambitions and it is among the leading areas in the UK to take advantage of the opportunities full fibre networks will provide.”

Source: ISPreview