HOMES and businesses in Cinderford will have access to “some of the quickest” broadband speeds in the UK from next month.

Internet service provider Gigaclear began working on a project to connect the town to its ultrafast, full-fibre network earlier this year, and the first properties are set to see the benefit in June.

The link-up comes as Cinderford’s existing broadband speeds were identified as around 16Mbps - well below the national average of 50Mbps.

Gigaclear says the upgrade will bring speeds of up to 900Mbps to just under 5,500 homes and businesses across the town by the time works have been completed.

The project will see some 12.5 kilometres of fibre will laid via trenching, as well as through existing duct and pole infrastructure.

Jamie Flint, Regional General Manager at Gigaclear, said: “We already have a firm foothold in rural Gloucestershire through the Fastershire project with Building Digital UK (BDUK).

“Now, we are back in the region working independently on a commercial basis to bring ultrafast internet to towns, like Cinderford, which have been calling out for better connectivity for some time.

“Fast broadband speeds are a necessity for a modern economy. The way in which we live and work depends on the internet. We believe in digital inclusion for all and we’re excited to bring our network to more people so they can enjoy the life-changing benefits that come with world-leading connectivity. In addition to our warp speeds, residents can also benefit from significant cost savings. It is a win/win situation.”

Forest of Dean MP Mark Harper commented: “I am pleased to hear that Gigaclear are extending their ultrafast broadband network to Cinderford.

“I know this will be welcome news to residents and local business and I look forward to seeing the service go live over the next few months.

“I know how important good broadband is to my constituents and I am in regular touch with Gigaclear and will continue to follow their progress across the Forest of Dean with interest.”

While the first properties will be able to access the network from next month, the entire build is scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2023.

Gigaclear has also frozen its full-fibre broadband rates for 18 months, meaning new and existing customers will not see a rise in prices until October 2023 at the earliest.

For more information, or to check if your property can connect to the network, go to www.gigaclear.com/mycommunity and use the postcode checker.