Ultrafast rural broadband network operator, Gigaclear, has installed its first pure fibre broadband cabinet in Birchanger, in Uttlesford, as part of the Superfast Essex broadband programme. The installation has brought some of the fastest broadband speeds available (according to the top internet statistics) in the world to people living and working in the district.
The cabinet is currently providing 212 properties in Birchanger with a connection to a futureproof pure fibre broadband network with far more properties becoming enabled across Uttlesford in the coming months, including more in Birchanger, as even more cabinets are installed, and network connections built. The Gigaclear network is capable of delivering download and upload speeds of up to 900Mbps, meaning it would take less than a minute to download a 2.5-hour HD film – faster than boiling a kettle.
Transforming the broadband speeds of Birchanger was a significant civil engineering project. Gigaclear contractor Kier worked to dig up 5.3km of carriageway, footway and verge to lay just over 6.5km of fibre.
Gigaclear is committed to delivering ultrafast fibre broadband to more than 4,600 properties in Uttlesford District, as part of Phase 3 of its work with Superfast Essex, Essex County Council’s broadband improvement programme. The £6.8million contract is funded by an investment from Essex County Council, a local funding contribution from Uttlesford District Council, a matching government grant from Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) in the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and a significant investment from private sector network operator Gigaclear.
Commenting on the new development, Drew Ritchie, Chief Operating Officer at Gigaclear said: “This marks the start of a hugely exciting time for residents and businesses who live and work across the Uttlesford District. We believe passionately in the importance of digital inclusion for all, no matter how rural their chosen home or business is, and we are delighted that our network is bringing world-class broadband speeds to residents of Birchanger in partnership with Superfast Essex. We hear time and again how an excellent internet connection can really transform lives, be it accessing important social and retail services remotely or simply keeping in touch with family members living far away.”
Essex County Councillor Gagan Mohindra, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, said, “I’m thrilled residents can now buy ultrafast broadband in Birchanger because of Superfast Essex’s work with Gigaclear. This is the first of many cabinet areas due to be connected, meaning shortly
even more Uttlesford homes and businesses will be able to benefit too. Building a brand-new broadband network is no easy feat, but the long-term benefits to the economy and quality of home life makes it a very worthwhile project for Essex County Council to invest in.”
Gigaclear has already worked with Superfast Essex to enable over 4,000 homes and businesses in Epping Forest District to benefit from its full fibre network. Essex County Council is now working with Gigaclear to extend its network to other parts of Essex, in Uttlesford District as well as in the Central North of the county (including parts of Braintree District and Colchester Borough), and more of Epping Forest District.
Residents and businesses interested in receiving Gigaclear’s ultrafast broadband service can find out more at www.gigaclear.net/superfastessex
