Project Gigabit
invoicing!
What is Project Gigabit?
Project Gigabit is the UK government’s programme to enable hard-to-reach communities to access lightning-fast gigabit-capable broadband.
Freedom Fibre’s project in North Shropshire has provided a major broadband upgrade to approximately 2500 properties, transforming broadband speeds for local residents.
Why full-fibre?
FTTP (Fibre to the premises), or full-fibre, is the future of broadband. With the huge growth of online streaming and gaming, working from home, internet-dependent devices, and many essential services moving online, your broadband needs to be able to keep you connected when it counts.
This is where our lightning-fast, gigabit-capable network can help. By having an FTTP service, you’ll be using the UK’s fastest and most reliable broadband technology that guarantees robust connectivity, no matter what time of day or how many devices you have connected.
Environmental
We have implemented a range of environmental initiatives across North Shropshire. These initiatives supported the environment of these areas and ensured the rollout of Freedom Fibre’s broadband network reduced its carbon emissions as we continue to work towards becoming a net zero company.
Social
As part of Freedom Fibre’s Project Gigabit contracts, and as part of our wider CSR strategy, we will be implementing a range of social value initiatives across North Shropshire. These initiatives seek to support the social and economic ambitions of these areas, providing resources to help underrepresented groups or those facing barriers to employment.
The Freedom Fund
The Freedom Fund launched in 2022 has supported 65+ projects with nearly £25,000 in grants across Greater Manchester, Cheshire, and North Shropshire.
We’re proud to have contributed to projects from Irlam to Shrewsbury, creating a lasting legacy.
FAQs
What is full-fibre?
Full-fibre is the UK's fastest and most reliable broadband technology, delivering speeds of up to 900Mb/s and unleashing untold potential for households and businesses. Upgrading to full-fibre is crucial to future-proof both internet and phoneline services in your home and ensure seamless, high-speed connectivity.
I already have fibre, what’s different about this?
There’s a HUGE difference! Current standard fibre, or FTTC (Fibre to the Cabinet), only uses fibre cabling to the cabinet and then copper cables to deliver the connection into your home or business. This means that your speeds will still be limited and your connection unreliable. Across the UK, the average home broadband speed is around 65Mb/s. With our full-fibre service, we remove that copper element and install fibre straight to your door which allows us to provide up to 1000Mb/s. You’ll be able to work from home and stream movies even while the kids game online with their friends without worrying about losing connection or buffering.
I don’t really use the internet, so why do I need this service?
Full-fibre will be integral in keeping homes and businesses connected. As Project Gigabit is targeting rural and remote communities across the UK, as well as tackling pockets of poor connectivity in urban areas, even if you or your family don’t really use the internet other than for sending a few emails, it will help keep you connected to essential services (such as healthcare and banking that are being moved online) and to each other. There is also significant evidence to suggest that available broadband speeds form part of the decision-making process for property buyers, and having full-fibre can increase house prices by as much as 3%. So, although you may think you don’t need it now, it could benefit you in the future.
What is Project Gigabit?
Project Gigabit is the government’s programme to enable hard-to-reach communities to access lightning-fast gigabit-capable broadband. It targets homes and businesses that are not included in broadband suppliers’ plans, reaching parts of the UK that might otherwise miss out on getting the digital connectivity they need.
When will service be available in my area?
The best way to find out if we’re live in your area or keep up-to-date on when we’re coming to your area is by checking your household's availability and registering your interest with us.
Why are new telegraph poles being installed on my street?
Wherever possible, Freedom Fibre uses existing telegraph poles to deploy its full-fibre network. Similarly, existing underground infrastructure will be utilised if available. However, in rare cases where there is no suitable infrastructure, installing telegraph poles may be necessary to deploy our network to homes and businesses. Using telegraph poles as opposed to laying cables underground is much quicker, more affordable, less disruptive, and considerably better for the environment. On a recent project, a staggering 2,400kg of carbon was saved by installing telegraph poles as opposed to digging up roads and paths to lay the cable underground.
Is planning permission required for a new telegraph pole?
Under existing planning rules, masts and poles less than 15 metres high can be installed without being subject to planning consent except those listed under Article 1 (5) of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995. Despite this, Freedom Fibre is committed to working closely with locally elected representatives (such as your MP and Councillors) and local residents. Freedom Fibre will inform the local authority before a telegraph pole is installed – this is called a Section 5 Notice.
Can I request the position of a telegraph pole to be moved?
Freedom Fibre will let residents know where new telegraph poles will be installed. Within reason, telegraph poles can be re-positioned though usually only by a small distance. Please note that we cannot move an existing pole that has already been erected.