As the demand for high-speed internet continues to grow, Openreach, the UK’s leading wholesale broadband provider, is making significant strides in expanding its gigabit broadband network. With a goal to reach an additional five million homes and businesses by March 2026, the company has announced that 19 million premises across the UK now have the capability to order its advanced broadband technology.
Current Network Expansion Efforts
Openreach has already managed to connect seven million UK premises to its full-fibre network, which represents a notable 37% of its growing footprint. This expansion is particularly crucial as the digital landscape evolves and more users require faster internet speeds for remote work, online education, and entertainment. To this end, the latest additions to their full-fibre rollout include 21 locations that will cover approximately 80,000 premises nationwide. Key areas benefiting from this upgrade include Belmont in Lancashire, Cheriton Bishop in Devon, Didcot in Oxfordshire, Innsworth in Gloucestershire, Silverdale in Lancashire, and Woburn Sands in Buckinghamshire.
Clive Selley, CEO of Openreach, emphasizes the importance of this initiative, calling it “a UK infrastructure success story.” He added, “Our new network is helping to drive economic growth, create jobs, and will be the backbone of a prosperous, globally connected and competitive UK.” The urgency of these upgrades is also underscored by the record breaking performance of the previous year, where Openreach achieved its most extensive build year to date, extending service to over four million homes.
Financial Outlook and Future Goals
Despite challenges in the telecommunications market, including a reported flat revenue year for BT Group, Openreach has signaled a strong commitment to its broadband infrastructure. BT’s CEO Allison Kirkby noted that the company had “reached an inflection point” in its long-term strategy, suggesting a renewed focus on fibre investments. Importantly, after a brief period of decreased capital spending, BT has announced a resumption of investment, allowing Openreach to accelerate its network construction.
Openreach is currently on pace to connect an average of 85,000 new premises each week, underscoring its ambition to lead the sector in customer connectivity. In total, more than 3,500 locations, ranging from urban cities to rural hamlets, have been integrated into Openreach’s rollout plan, facilitated by both private investment and public funding partnerships. This is particularly significant in light of the government’s push for greater digital inclusion across the UK.
Looking ahead, Openreach aims to have full-fibre technology available to 30 million premises by 2030, contingent on maintaining a “supportive economic and regulatory environment.” This expansion is not only ambitious but necessary, as the digital demands of customers continue to rise. In a more technologically-driven economy, enhancing broadband access is integral to ensuring that all parts of the UK can participate fully in the digital age.
In May 2025, during its annual financial reporting, BT confirmed it had achieved a significant milestone, having passed peak capital expenditure on the full-fibre rollout. Additionally, they noted a £3 billion cost and service transformation initiative had been completed ahead of schedule. These developments further endorse the company’s strategy of investing in infrastructure that meets future demands.
Kirkby articulated the importance of this initiative, emphasizing that “the more full-fibre we build, the more customers choose to connect.” In a competitive market faced with economic challenges, Openreach’s commitment to building and connecting customers faster — and at a lower cost than any competitor — provides a competitive edge that is instrumental in securing its future in the telecommunications landscape.
Community Impact and Digital Inclusion
This extensive broadband expansion plan not only aims to increase Internet accessibility but also strives to enhance economic opportunities in underserved regions. As remote work becomes more entrenched in various sectors, robust internet service is essential for small businesses and local economies to thrive. Increased access to gigabit-capable services is expected to enhance educational resources, remote healthcare services, and e-commerce opportunities, thereby contributing to a more resilient and equitable digital economy.
In summary, Openreach’s commitment to a comprehensive and rapid broadband rollout underscores its leadership in the UK telecommunications sector. The company’s ambitious goals, alongside supportive government policies and strategic investments, position it well to transform not just connectivity but community development across the UK.
For those looking to keep abreast of developments in broadband technology and infrastructure, the ongoing efforts of Openreach are a clear indicator of the future direction of internet service provision in the UK.