Gigaclear, the UK’s largest rural alt-net, has started work in Thame and Haddenham to connect the towns to its ultrafast full-fibre broadband network.
Gigaclear’s network is already present across much of rural Oxfordshire through the government’s Building Digital UK (BDUK) scheme. Now, the broadband provider has the opportunity to expand its existing network on a commercial basis to underserved market towns in the county, where internet speeds are still extremely poor.
Thame’s existing broadband speeds are around 25.58Mbps*, while Haddenham’s is 26Mbps, well below the national average of 80Mbps plus. Gigaclear’s full-fibre upgrade will bring speeds of up to 900Mbps to just over 6,185 homes and business premises in Thame, and a further 2,315 properties in Haddenham. In total the project will require over 92,000 metres of fibre which will be laid via trenching as well as through existing duct and pole infrastructure.
Ben Woods, Central General Manager at Gigaclear, comments: “We’ve been firmly established in rural Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire for some time now, bringing our ultrafast network to those that need it the most. With this infrastructure already in place, we are now in a position where we can focus some of our attention on connecting the underserved market towns close to our current network footprint. Communities like Thame and Haddenham are calling out for better broadband, and we are thrilled to be able to provide it.
“Given the year we have just experienced, I think it is fair to say that connectivity is valued higher than ever before. For individuals and rural businesses that still don’t have access to an ultrafast service, it can be incredibly frustrating and isolating, which is why are so pleased to be able to extend our full fibre network to even more areas.”
The expansion of Gigaclear’s network build to Haddenham is expected to be completed by the end of 2021, while Thame is expected to be complete in early 2022.
To find out more information, or to check if your property can connect to the network please visit www.gigaclear.com and use the postcode checker.
