2,000 now have access to ‘full fibre’ broadband
MORE than 2,000 properties in Greenock now have access to ultrafast broadband.
Internet provider Openreach is rolling out ‘full fibre’ broadband - described as the ‘fastest and most reliable anywhere in the UK’ - across homes, businesses and schools.
St Patrick’s and Whinhill primary schools and Notre Dame High School have already been covered, and engineers plan to reach Bow Farm, Gateside, Drumfrochar, Barr’s Cottage and Cowdenknowes before Christmas.
The majority of homes in Gourock, Kilmacolm and Wemyss Bay are earmarked for connection before the end of 2026.
Martin Hagan, chief engineer for the Greenock project, says that his team are using the existing network of ducts and poles as far as possible, to avoid disturbance.
He told the Tele that new technology, like underground cameras, was helping remove the need for digging up streets.
Mr Hagan added: “We’re working closely with Inverclyde Council to keep disruption to a minimum and hope local people will agree that any short term disruption will be worth it in the long run.”
Councillor Michael McCormick, Inverclyde Council’s convener of environment and regeneration, says the project will be of huge benefit to residents and businesses.
He added: “The internet is now an everyday part of our lives so it’s vitally important for households, businesses and our schools to have access to fast, reliable connections.
“With such a huge infrastructure project like this there will continue to be some associated disruption but we will support Openreach to ensure work is carried out as smoothly and quickly as possible to minimise the impact.”