We’re working with two network operators, Openreach and Gigaclear, to make superfast and ultrafast broadband available to as many homes and businesses across Essex as we can. To achieve this, we’ve been rolling out a mix of fibre-to-the-cabinet (FTTC) and fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) technology.
To date, we have completed several phases of work, which has improved connectivity in the 12 districts. The table below shows the programme's delivery phases and contracts which are still being delivered.
|
Phase |
Operator |
District area |
Local authority funding contribution |
Completion date |
|
3.1 |
Gigaclear |
Uttlesford |
Uttlesford |
June 2023 |
|
3.2 |
Gigaclear |
Braintree, Colchester |
N/A |
June 2023 |
|
4a.1 |
Gigaclear |
Epping Forest |
Epping Forest |
July 2023 |
|
4b |
Openreach |
Brentwood, Castle Point, Chelmsford, Colchester, Harlow, Maldon, Rochford, Tendring, Thurrock, Uttlesford |
N/A |
July 2023 |
How are we funded?
Superfast Essex is funded by Essex County Council, the Government and the network operators working on each contract. Local councils have also contributed funding towards some phases of work. In addition, we’ve received full funding for our Phase 4b work, which is set bring ultrafast fibre broadband to nearly 1,000 businesses across Essex, as well as benefit a further 2,700 homes. This is thanks to a £5 million grant from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD). We have also received an additional £2.5 million funding from SELEP and the Getting Building Fund to both support this work and reach additional rural premises.
Fibre broadband in your area
We’ve created an interactive rollout map to help show what broadband coverage is available or planned in your area. Enter your address on the map page to find out what is available at your property.
Commercial work
Some broadband operators have told us about their existing and planned broadband coverage in Essex, which is commercial (non-state funded) work that sits outside of the Superfast Essex programme. Read about this work on our Commercial Operators page.