Ponteland MP Guy Opperman has welcomed the news that full-fibre broadband is coming to Darras Hall. He is encouraging residents to take up the opportunity of being connected.
Factco fund, design, build, maintain and supply full-fibre networks to rural communities. In association with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport the company has rolled out successful schemes in other Northumberland communities such as Rothbury and Stocksfield.
The news follows an excellent local campaign by Simon Tappin and all the members of the Darras Hall Community Fibre Scheme, who are seeking to improve the poor broadband that some areas of Darras Hall continue to suffer.
Local residents can register their interest for the scheme by visiting: https://factco.co.uk/darrashall/.
Guy Opperman MP said :
‘’Following a brilliant local campaign by Simon and all members of the Darras Hall Community Fibre Scheme I am delighted that progress has been made and Darras Hall is being connected to full-fibre.
I would encourage all residents in Darras Hall to sign-up for the scheme which will improve the long-standing issues with connectivity in the area.’’
Ian Finlay, Business Development Manager at Factco said:
‘’We take pride in bridging the gap in digital inclusion, helping communities keep up with the advancements of urban living. Projects like these for Darras Hall are the first steps in building a sustainable network in Northumberland and are essential for the long-term development of the area.
It’s great to see the overwhelming response and to be given the chance to support the local community, giving them the necessary support that they need to improve their connectivity. With the copper 2025 switch off, there hasn’t been a time like now where people have realised how important it is to have a reliable and secure ultra-fast broadband connection.”
Simon Tappin, Darras Hall Community Fibre Scheme said:
“After a 3 year campaign by the Darras Hall Community Fibre Scheme and local residents, we are very pleased to be working with Factco who are self-funding the proposed broadband network rollout.
As many have found during the pandemic, good Internet connectivity is a necessity utility for modern day working and living. We welcome Factco’s investment and commitment in replacing our legacy and outdated broadband infrastructure.
We believe Factco’s proposed network buildout will provide residents with a huge up lift in available bandwidth today and in the future. Hopefully this now means Darras Hall will no longer be a broadband black hole.”
ENDS