Freedom Fibre, a leading alternative network provider, has connected its first customers in North Shropshire made possible by £24 million of UK government funding as part of Project Gigabit.
Freedom Fibre commenced the build phase of the project to bring full-fibre to North Shropshire in March 2024, following months of detailed design, survey work and community engagement.
The first 1,600 homes in Hadnall, High Ercall, Walton, Shawbury, and Bowmere Heath—included in the Project Gigabit contract—are now ready to connect to Freedom Fibre’s lightning-fast full-fibre network. Additionally, hundreds more homes can access more reliable broadband with speeds up to 1GB through Freedom Fibre’s commercial build, available from a variety of internet service providers.
Project Gigabit is the government-funded programme to enable hard-to-reach communities access to fast, reliable gigabit-capable broadband. Thanks to Project Gigabit, Freedom Fibre aims to reach 12,000 homes and businesses which would have otherwise been left with slower, outdated broadband networks.
Chris Beane from Shrewsbury Road in Hadnall Parish was the first to connect to the upgraded service, successfully benefiting from 900mbps symmetrical speeds.
Chris commented:
"I've been thoroughly impressed with my experience with Freedom Fibre. The customer service has been exceptional. Speeds of up to 900Mbps from my Service Provider have made a significant difference in my daily activities, and all at a price similar to my previous, much slower broadband. I would highly recommend!"
Nathan Vautier, Freedom Fibre CEO commented:
“Digital equity is necessary for all, and we are proud to have reached this milestone in our journey to offer an upgraded internet service to those in North Shropshire’s hard-to-reach areas.
The economic and social benefits to residents and businesses are significant, and we are grateful to BDUK, Shropshire Council, Telford and Wrekin Council and community leaders that have supported the delivery of the project so far.”
Telecoms Minister Sir Chris Bryant said:
Fast, reliable internet is about more than watching your favourite TV shows or playing online games without buffering. It can help to bridge inequalities across the country and boost economic growth as part of our Plan for Change, allowing remote areas to access vital online services like job applications, schooling, and calls with a doctor.
This is why I am thrilled to hear that hard-to-reach homes and businesses in North Shropshire are now being equipped with the fastest speeds on the market and are ready to thrive in the digital world.”
Helen Morgan, Member of Parliament for North Shropshire said:
These new connections will be a big boost to communities in need of better broadband. Gigabit-capable full- fibre must be rolled out to as many homes and businesses as possible so we can improve growth, job opportunities and day-to-day life for people living in rural areas like Shropshire.”
Freedom Fibre’s Freedom Fund will relaunch in the Spring of 2025 for the final time and will make £25,000 available to community non-profit groups delivering environmental projects. The fund has previously supported a range of projects such as community orchards and gardens, solar panels, and habitat improvement projects.
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