Openreach has started work to build a new broadband network for Portsmouth.
The full fibre broadband upgrades will enable thousands of residents to connect multiple devices at gigabit-capable speeds, and help businesses trade online.
Engineers have started work in the city and the build is expected to reach the majority of local homes and businesses in the next couple of years.
Full Fibre broadband provides more reliable and resilient connectivity; with fewer faults; more predictable, consistent speeds and enough capacity to easily meet growing data demands.
The technology also supports day-to-day, business critical tasks such as video calls, banking and online customer interactions.
Martin Williams, Openreach partnership director, said, “We’re bringing ultrafast broadband to Portsmouth and letting local people know what to expect.“This is a major infrastructure upgrade, so there will be more engineering teams, equipment and vans around town, and 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 because it’s the only way to make sure households get included in the upgrade.”
Openreach’s new full fibre network in the south east now reaches more than one million properties and the company plans to roll out the new technology to 25 million homes and businesses by the end of 2026.Openreach build partner Morrison Telecom Services will deliver the investment.
John Jauncey, director at Morrison Telecom Services, said, “We're delighted to be working with Openreach on their full fibre rollout in Portsmouth, bringing much needed improvements to broadband speeds for residents and businesses throughout the city.
“The high level of interest from the community confirms the strong local desire for faster and more reliable connections. We're committed to minimising disruption during the installation process, and we appreciate your patience as we deliver Portsmouth’s new ultrafast full fibre network with Openreach.”