Openreach provides ultrafast broadband throughout Sheffield with new ‘pilot’ network launch

Openreach, the local network business which is part of BT Group, has now commenced switching on the pilot areas for its new ultrafast broadband network in locations around the Sheffield area.

Around 8,900 households and businesses in places like Broomhill, Sharrow Vale, Crookes, Crosspool, Manor Castle and Arbourthorne are set to benefit from the new ultrafast service, known as G.fast.

G.fast provides download speeds of up to 330Mbps, more than 10 times faster than the UK average.

The faster speeds that ultrafast broadband brings means a two hour HD film can be downloaded in just 90 seconds, a 45 minute HD TV show in just 16 seconds and a nine hour audio book in just three seconds.

Emma Peace, Openreach spokesperson for Yorkshire and the Humber, said: “A huge amount of effort and substantial investment has already taken place in the development of this exciting new technology.

“So I’m delighted to announce that we can now start connecting people in Sheffield and at the 19 other locations around the country.

“These pilot schemes are hugely important to us and to the local households and businesses, which will be able to benefit from G.fast. Whether you are somebody aiming to work more efficiently or grow your business, or a household going online for shopping, entertainment or studies, fast access to the internet has never been more important.

“We know the technology works and can be a major benefit for customers, but these pilots will now help us test and improve all the factors involved in rolling out G.fast on a national scale.”

Kim Mears, Openreach managing director for infrastructure delivery, added: “The UK is ahead of its major European neighbours when it comes to superfast broadband but technology never stands still – that’s why we’re building on our existing fibre network and leading the way in deploying ultrafast speeds.

“We need to stay ahead in order to meet the evolving needs of our customers. G.fast will allow us to do that by building on the investment we have made in fibre to date.

“It will transform the UK broadband landscape from superfast to ultrafast, and it will reach the largest number of people in the quickest possible time.”

Engineers have spent recent months upgrading the network in several parts of the city to prepare for the arrival of Sheffield’s G.fast broadband pilot scheme.

G.fast technology delivers ultrafast speeds that have previously required fibre to be run all the way to the premises (FTTP). It builds on the rollout of superfast broadband, which has already reached around 480,000 homes and businesses in South Yorkshire.

Following the early trials of G.fast in Cambridgeshire, Gosforth and South Wales, the 20 pilot areas have extended that reach even further, with more than 100,000 homes across the UK.