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The UK village of Bramley in Surrey is set to receive a major broadband upgrade from Openreach,bringing full-fibre internet to approximately 2,500 homes and businesses.
The initiative marks a significant step in restoring and improving connectivity after a prolonged period of disruption.Bramley, like many rural communities, had battled with poor internet service for years. This situation was exacerbated when a fuel leak from a local petrol station contaminated Openreach’s underground network, forcing safety restrictions and a halt to essential work.
Bramley’s Broadband Battle
The groundwork for the upgrade began in 2021 with plans to enhance the area’s aging copper network. However, the fuel leak elaborate these efforts, leading to restricted access to underground ducts due to safety concerns. For the past 18 months, Openreach collaborated with environmental experts, local authorities, and safety specialists to manage the risks associated with petrol vapors in its network. This involved deploying specialized equipment,conducting thorough safety assessments,and implementing new public safety protocols.
With the identified risks reduced to acceptable levels, access to the underground network in Bramley has now been reopened. This crucial step allows Openreach and engineers from other providers, known as altnets, to resume infrastructure build and maintenance.Openreach views this as a pivotal moment, paving the way for a transformative full-fibre broadband deployment.
Did you know? Full-fibre broadband uses fiber optic cables, delivering internet directly to homes and businesses. It offers faster speeds and greater reliability than older copper networks.
The new full-fibre network is expected to provide a robust, long-term solution for Bramley’s connectivity needs.Openreach anticipates the network will be far more resilient to extreme weather and environmental impacts,ensuring a future-proof service for the community.
“This has been a really frustrating situation for residents and businesses in Bramley, but we now see some light at the end of the tunnel,” said Andy Whale, Openreach chief engineer. “We want to turn a bad situation good by not just repairing and restoring the damaged network that exists today,but by building something much faster,more reliable and longer lasting. This full-fibre upgrade is a long-term investment in Bramley’s future, supporting local people and businesses to move on from the disruption with a network they can rely on for decades. We hope it’ll help the local community and economy to recover, grow and thrive in a digitally connected future.”
During the period of disruption, Openreach maintained connectivity through remote fixes, temporary satellite hubs, and alternative network services. To minimize further inconvenience, engineers plan to reuse existing underground ducts and telephone poles where feasible, aiming to reduce roadworks and closures.
Pro tip: Full-fibre networks are less susceptible to interference and degradation over distance,providing a more consistent internet experience.
The provider is also actively engaging with Bramley Parish Council and local stakeholders to keep the community informed and involved throughout the upgrade process.
“I can’t overstate what a positive difference full fibre roll-out will make for Bramley residents and businesses,” said Jane Austin,Waverley Borough councillor and chair of Bramley Parish Council. “Openreach have listened to our concerns about the prospect of potential disturbance with roll-out and they have come up with a plan to minimise disruption.”
Reader question: Why did the fuel leak impact internet service? The leak contaminated underground ducts housing Openreach’s cables, creating safety hazards and halting work.
Austin added, “We look forward to continuing our constructive working relationship so we can improve the Bramley area; our com
