Openreach has started work to build a new full fibre broadband network for Farnham, giving residents and businesses access to some of the fastest and most reliable internet connections in Europe.

The once-in-a-generation upgrade will allow thousands of local people to connect multiple devices at gigabit-capable speeds and help businesses trade online and compete for decades to come.

Engineers are already working in Farnham and the build is expected to reach the majority of local homes and businesses as it progresses.

Full fibre technology provides more reliable, resilient and future-proof connectivity, with fewer faults, more predictable speeds and enough capacity to meet growing data demands. It supports everything from streaming and gaming at home to video calls, banking and customer interactions for businesses, with less buffering at busy times.

Kieran Wines, partnership director for the South East at Openreach, said: “We’re bringing full fibre broadband to Farnham and letting local people know what to expect.

“This is a major infrastructure upgrade, so there will be more engineering teams, equipment and vans around town, and we're working hard to keep disruption to a minimum.

“Wherever possible, we’ll use our existing network of ducts and poles to avoid roadworks, new street furniture and disturbance. But there may be places where we need to install new poles, underground ducts and fibre cables because it’s the only way to make sure households get included in the upgrade.

“Openreach is committed to building the best full fibre network, and doing it sustainably is crucial for our business, the communities we serve, and the environment we all share.

As part of our ‘Let’s Reach Zero’ strategy, we aim to lower our carbon emissions, use less and waste less material, and protect nature wherever we operate.”

Openreach’s full fibre network now reaches more than 20 million properties across the UK. The company plans to extend this to 25 million homes and businesses by the end of 2026, with a longer-term ambition to reach up to 30 million by the end of the decade.

Residents can register for updates and check availability at their address by visiting the Openreach website.