Work has started on building a new ultrafast broadband network in Northallerton, as plans have been put forward to roll it out for other parts of North Yorkshire. 

Openreach engineers have begun the project and promised residents and businesses access to some of the fastest, most reliable broadband anywhere in Europe.

The Full Fibre broadband upgrade will let thousands of people and businesses connect multiple devices at gigabit-capable speeds and help businesses trade online.

According to Openreach, the new technology is "more reliable, more resilient and future-proof; with fewer faults; predictable, consistent speeds and enough capacity to easily meet growing data demands."

Keith Elliott, Specialist Fibre Manager for North Yorkshire, said: “Work is underway to bring ultrafast broadband to Northallerton and we want to let local people know what to expect.

Openreach at work in NorthallertonOpenreach at work in Northallerton (Image: OPENREACH)

“This is a major infrastructure upgrade, so you will see more of our engineers, vans and equipment out and about but 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 or underground ducts because it’s the only way to make sure as many premises as possible are included in the upgrade.”

Mr Elliott added: ”Switching to full fibre is easy and may even be cheaper than your existing broadband package but it’s important to remember that upgrades don’t happen automatically.

"People need to contact, and place orders through, their broadband service provider to take advantage.

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“As our engineering build continues across North Yorkshire we’re determined to deliver a great service to residents, helping people to work from home easily and build connections and opportunities in their communities.”

Openreach’s new ultrafast Full Fibre network in North Yorkshire now reaches more than 175,000 homes and businesses, with tens of thousands of residents in towns and villages such as Catterick Camp, Easingwold, Knaresborough, Malton, Pickering and Richmond, already able to benefit.

Investment is planned for dozens of other North Yorkshire communities to get superfast broadband, including Bedale, Hawes, Green Hammerton, Old Catterick, Ripon and Snainton.