Teesdale switches on ultrafast future

A County Durham broadband upgrade is set to transform digital access for thousands of residents and businesses this winter.

Independent provider GoFibre has completed its Government-backed Project Gigabit rollout across Teesdale, bringing ultrafast, full fibre connectivity to around 8100 premises in and around Barnard Castle, Mickleton, West Auckland and Middleton-in-Teesdale. 

Of these, 4400 connections were funded directly by the UK Government, making Teesdale one of the first areas in the country to see a Project Gigabit contract fully delivered.

The completion marks GoFibre’s second major project closure under the national scheme, following its North Northumberland rollout earlier this year. 

The programme aims to bring gigabit-capable broadband to hard-to-reach communities, supporting economic growth and improving everyday digital access.

Neil Conaghan, chief executive of GoFibre, said: “For us at GoFibre, this isn’t just about faster broadband – it’s about making sure people in Teesdale have the same connectivity  as people in bigger towns and cities.

“It means a family can stream without the screen freezing, a farmer can get the services they need online and a small business can reach customers miles away. 

“Full fibre really does open doors, and the amount of interest we’ve had shows just how much people here have been waiting for it.”

“As an independent broadband network and provider, this is another outstanding achievement in delivering on our Project Gigabit contracts. 

“We’ll now focus on delivering our two other major projects in Scotland. 

“My thanks go to the Durham and Teesdale communities, our partners and everyone who rolled up their sleeves to make this happen.”

Telecoms minister Liz Lloyd added: “Fast, reliable broadband connects people, helps businesses thrive and creates new opportunities. 

“Through Project Gigabit we’re improving infrastructure across every corner of the UK, ensuring rural communities don't get left behind in the digital age.

"Connecting these hard-to-reach communities to future-proofed broadband is a huge milestone for Teesdale and exactly the kind of progress we need to kickstart the economy and renew our country.”

More than 80 local businesses, including tourism operators, farms and village halls, have already benefited from the improved speeds, with many reporting better productivity and customer connectivity. 

Jen Johnson, pictured above, a local farmer in Teesdale and GoFibre’s most rural customer to date, added: “Out here, I’m ten miles from the nearest pint of milk! 

“Before GoFibre, I’d have to drive to a layby several miles away just to get enough signal to do business calls or send invoices from my phone. 

“Now, with full fibre, I can sort paperwork, video chat suppliers and even check market prices without leaving the kitchen. 

“It’s turned what used to be half a day’s job into a few minutes and that’s priceless when you’ve got livestock to look after.”

Brian Abott, trustee at Woodland Village Hall, added: “Our village hall has always been the place where things happen, from coffee mornings to the Christmas fair.

“Now, with a proper full fibre connection, we can do so much more.

“It’s made organising events easier and kept everyone in touch. When GoFibre sponsored our Village Fete this year, it really showed they’re here for the community, not just to lay cables, and in the end, it was one of the best fetes we’ve had in years.”

The build, which began in April 2023, involved installing over 600km of fibre cable and required complex engineering across Sites of Special Scientific Interest in Upper Teesdale – the first project of its kind in County Durham.

Councillor Stephen Gray, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for transformation, efficiency, digital and procurement, added: “The completion of these works marks a major milestone in our ambition to ensure our communities in all corners of the county, from countryside to coast, are connected.

“The installation of full fibre broadband in Teesdale has already made a significant difference to residents, businesses and farmers in the area, allowing those in even the most remote places to have the same internet speed as central towns and villages. 

“We are pleased to have worked in partnership with GoFibre to deliver this scheme and can already see the benefits this project has brought and will continue to bring.”

GoFibre has also strengthened its presence in the region through wider community support. 

Its GoFurther Fund awarded nearly £15,000 to five local charities this year, while eight community organisations – such as UTASS in Middleton-in-Teesdale – have received free broadband connections to help deliver vital services.

Residents and potential customers are encouraged to check availability and register their interest by visiting: www.gofibre.co.uk

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