Thousands of households across Worcestershire are missing out on faster broadband despite having access to full fibre connections.
216,000 homes and businesses in the county can now upgrade to gigabit-capable broadband, with Openreach reporting take-up in some areas as high as 78 per cent.
However, other communities remain well below that figure, prompting warnings of a widening digital divide.
Kasam Hussain, Openreach’s partnership director for the North and Midlands, said: “We’ve rolled out Full Fibre to most of Worcestershire, but many people still haven’t made the switch.
“It’s not automatic – you need to place an order with your chosen provider.
“Checking your postcode only takes a moment, and it could unlock a much faster, more reliable broadband service.”
Openreach engineer at work (Image: Martin Avery)
Peopleton and Drakes Broughton boast the highest take-up rates in the region.
Other areas, such as Wythall and Harvington, are lagging behind despite the infrastructure already being in place.
Mr Hussain said: “Openreach is committed to building the best Full Fibre network, and doing it sustainably.
“Through our ‘Let’s Reach Zero’ strategy, we’re working to cut emissions, reduce waste, use fewer materials and protect nature wherever we build.”
Openreach has rolled out gigabit-capable broadband to around 72 per cent of properties across Worcestershire, but thousands of residents are yet to upgrade.
With everyday tasks – from banking to homework – now relying on strong broadband, households that stick with older technology risk being left with slower speeds and less reliable connections.
Openreach’s national full fibre network now covers more than 23 million properties.
The company aims to reach 25 million by the end of 2026, and believes it could extend that figure to 30 million by the end of the decade, given the right investment conditions.
Residents can check upgrade eligibility by visiting Openreach’s full fibre checker online.
