Faster broadband rollout begins for rural homes

Residents in rural parts of Shropshire are being promised access to faster internet speeds as part of the government's rollout of full-fibre broadband.

As part of the Project Gigabit programme, work has begun in Much Wenlock, Six Ashes, Coton, Bridgnorth, Quatt, Quatford, Cantern Bank, Eardington and Oldbury.

The scheme is being carried out by Openreach and will allow 12,000 households to connect several devices at gigabit-capable speeds by 2030, a spokesperson said.

So far, the government has signed £745m worth of contracts with the communications firm as part of the programme, with work expected to benefit more than 297,000 premises across the UK.

UK telecoms minister Liz Lloyd said: "Whether it's families streaming together, farmers being able to use new technology or businesses reaching more customers online, this upgrade creates real opportunities for communities across Shropshire."

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