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Why fast and reliable broadband matters

Good broadband is essential for modern life because so many everyday activities now depend on fast, reliable internet access. It enables people to work remotely, access education and training, and use essential services such as banking, healthcare, and government portals online. 

Good broadband also underpins entertainment, social interaction, and communication with family and friends. For businesses, strong connectivity supports productivity, innovation, and the ability to compete in national and global markets. 

These activities are especially important in 91��Ƭ��with our mix of towns and rural communities. Without reliable broadband, individuals, communities and businesses cannot thrive in today’s society.

Progress in Worcestershire

Gigabit capable broadband refers to internet infrastructure that can deliver up to 1 gigabit per second (1Gbps) download speeds which is equal to 1,000 megabits per second (1,000Mbps). It typically uses fibre optic or high-speed cable networks, providing fast, reliable, and future-proof connectivity suitable for modern digital needs.

Following successful programmes and commercial deployment, gigabit capable broadband reached 88% of 91��Ƭ��premises in May 2026. But we need to go further and we are on track to achieve 91��Ƭ��County Council’s ambitious target of 90% Gigabit capable broadband coverage by December 2027 and the UK Government’s national goal of 99% coverage by 2032. 

Use the link below to check progress at thinkbroadband.com, an independent website that provides estimates of broadband coverage:

The UK Government’s “Project Gigabit” is now the main programme that will deliver gigabit capable broadband to premises that do not feature in commercial deployment plans from suppliers like CityFibre, Openreach or Virgin Media.

91��Ƭ��has secured over £40 million through Project Gigabit. Alongside private investment, this will help bring Gigabit capable broadband coverage closer to 99%. Openreach is delivering the Project Gigabit contract in 91��Ƭ��between 2026 and 2030 and will extend coverage to more than 20,000 homes and businesses, with a focus on rural and hard-to-reach areas.

Check your coverage

Since March 2026, there is a GOV.UK service for people in England and Wales to check quickly if they can access gigabit capable broadband now or if they are included in plans for Project Gigabit broadband upgrades. Please follow the link and you will be prompted to provide your address details:

If the checker indicates that your address does not or will not have access to gigabit capable broadband, then there is a possibility that you might be connected to a network that hasn’t supplied information to the checker. 

You can read more about how to check this in our guide:

•  Broadband Basics: How to check what’s available

Contact us

The Digital Infrastructure & Connectivity Team is small but innovative and we’re committed to helping connect all parts of our county with the latest digital technologies. If you have any questions about our latest projects or need help with broadband and mobile connectivity in Worcestershire, please contact us at:

• broadband@worcestershire.gov.uk