Faster broadband is coming to council homes across the borough

The providers – Hyperoptic and Community Fibre – have begun installation work, with the aim that the project will deliver a full-fibre connection to at least 90% of council homes within three years.

Full-fibre broadband uses fibre-optic cabling all the way to the property where the internet access is required. It doesn’t use the old copper phone lines used by older broadband technology, and so provides a much faster broadband connection.

Residents will also benefit from free connections for community hubs, digital skills training, apprenticeships and job opportunities with the broadband providers.

Cllr Una O’Halloran, Executive Member for Homes and Communities, said: “Fast, reliable internet is essential in our increasingly digital world and better broadband for council homes is an important part of our work to make Islington a more equal borough

“We are bringing the benefit of superfast broadband to people living on our estates and in our council homes. We are also pleased that these broadband partnerships will create apprenticeships and job opportunities in the borough.”

Residents who already have an internet provider will be able to choose whether to switch to a new provider when installation works have been completed in their area.

The council is also negotiating with other providers with the aim of offering even more choice to broadband consumers in the borough.

Notes to editors

The council ran a competitive process to choose to grant wayleave agreements to those providers who committed to the greatest benefit to local residents.

More information on the broadband providers involved in the project so far can be found on their websites:

• Hyperoptic
• Community Fibre