More UK homes eligible for gigabit internet upgrade - full list

Residents across England and Wales can now check whether they are eligible for a government-backed broadband upgrade using a new address checker. This would seriously boost connection speeds, particularly in rural areas.

The government's update comes as 'Project Gigabit' expands its coverage across more parts of the UK, aiming to install "lightning-fast" full-fibre internet in communities across the British countryside. The scheme was started in 2021 and is now being extended to more qualifying areas.

Over one million additional locations are set to receive upgrades through Project Gigabit contracts, with more expected to become eligible in the coming months. The plan applies to both residential homes and business premises within the approved areas.

The tool is available online here and is free to use. People need to share a postcode and select their address within that area. The tool will inform people if this faster internet is already accessible in a street or when it is due to arrive, reports the Mirror.

What is Gigabit broadband?

Gigabit-capable broadband provides faster, more reliable internet that can accommodate multiple users downloading, streaming or online gaming simultaneously. The rollout will ensure households and businesses remain connected now and in the future, with fewer outages and less competition for bandwidth.

To connect to gigabit broadband, you will require a gigabit service package from an internet service provider. To locate service providers in your area, visit the Ofcom website.

UK Telecoms Minister, Liz Lloyd, said: "Many rural communities have long struggled to do even the basics online due to slow internet speeds. Now, hundreds of households and companies are receiving government-funded upgrades every day - helping those who would otherwise miss out.

"Our new address checker puts power in people's hands to instantly find out when faster broadband is coming to their doorstep, helping them seize the opportunities of the digital age no matter where they live or work."

Katie Milligan, Openreach’s Deputy CEO, said: "We’re proud to be working with the UK government to extend the reach of faster, more reliable full fibre broadband to some of Britain’s hardest-to-reach communities. Our engineers live and work in these areas too, so they know how much difference good connectivity can make to everyday life.

"Our new network is already available to more than 22 million homes and businesses and, as our Project Gigabit partnership accelerates, even more communities will start to see the benefits - whether that’s better access to online services, new opportunities for local businesses, or simply being able to stay connected with friends and family."

Where is next for Gigabit upgrades?

Below is a list of towns and villages where Openreach is currently rolling out upgrades, either within these locations or their surrounding areas, as part of Project Gigabit. This list does not include areas where other suppliers are currently delivering government-funded rollout.

England:

1. Hertfordshire: Hatfield, Ware Park, Wadesmill
2. Lancashire: Clayton le Dale, Briercliffe, Southfield, Pleasington, Tockholes, Oswaldtwistle, Great Harwood, Pendleton, Clitheroe, West Bradford, Waddington, Bashall Eaves, Whalley, Whalley Banks, Blacko, Turton, Belmont, Holcombe, Ormskirk, Scarisbrick, Leyland, Nateby, Scorton, Inskip, Longton, Hutton, Tarleton, Mere Brow, Hundred End, Hesketh Bank, Whittle‑le‑Woods, Southport
3. Surrey: Bisley, West End (Woking), East Clandon, Lower Eashing, Milford, Pirbright, Enton, Betchworth
4. Wiltshire: Sutton Benger, Brinkworth, Oaksey, Baydon, Clatford
5. Staffordshire: Wolseley Bridge, Tixall
6. Devon: Chulmleigh, Winkleigh, Harracott, Kentisbury, Combe Martin, Berrynarbor, Umberleigh, High Bickington, Chapelton, Atherington, Burrington, Dunkeswell, Burlescombe, Rockbeare, Bradninch, Newton St Cyres, Cowley
7. Somerset: Clapton in Gordano, Clevedon, Hewish, Rolstone, Potters Hill, Brockley, Backwell, Barrow Gurney, Winscombe, Winscombe Hill
8. Shropshire: Much Wenlock, Six Ashes, Coton, Bridgnorth, Quatt, Quatford, Cantern Bank, Eardington, Oldbury

Wales:

1. Gwynedd: Tal‑y‑llyn, Tywyn, Bryncrug, Mynydd Nefyn, Rhydyclafdy
2. Wrexham: Brymbo, Ffrith, Penley, Wrexham, Hanmer, Halghton, Horsemans Green
3. Conwy: Cerrigydrudion, Llanddulas, Abergele
4. Swansea: Reynoldston, Knelston
5. Neath Port Talbot: Rhiwfawr
6. Montgomeryshire: Llanfair Caereinion, Llangyniew, Dolanog, Cyfronydd
7. Ceredigion: Rhos‑y‑garth