Shropshire continues to strengthen its broadband connectivity, with near universal access to superfast broadband and major investment underway to extend full-fibre broadband for homes & businesses across the county.

Data from Thinkbroadband shows that 99.6 per cent of premises in the Shropshire Council area have access to superfast broadband, with eight in ten able to access gigabit capable connections. This level of digital connectivity makes Shropshire one of the best-connected rural authorities in the UK and provides a strong foundation for business productivity, innovation and investment.

Councillor Rob Wilson, Portfolio Holder for Transport & Economic Growth at Shropshire Council, said:

“Good digital connectivity is essential to a thriving modern economy, particularly in a rural county like Shropshire. The continued expansion of full-fibre broadband will help businesses operate more efficiently, reach new markets and adopt new ways of working. Alongside partners we recognise that there is more to do on internet speeds and mobile connectivity, but it is an improving picture. This investment strengthens Shropshire’s appeal as a place to start and grow a business, while also supporting our communities and improving quality of life for residents.”

Thanks to the government’s Project Gigabit programme, around 3,400 hard to reach homes and businesses have already been connected in Shropshire, with an additional 22,000 projected to be put within reach of a full-fibre broadband connection by 2030. The first Shropshire premises to benefit from this investment are expected to get access in Spring 2026.

Project Gigabit is managed by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, with whom Shropshire Council collaborates closely to ensure the smooth running of broadband upgrade works and acting as a local point of contact. For more information, please go to: https://next.shropshire.gov.uk/economic-growth/connecting-shropshire/

This continued investment demonstrates Shropshire’s ongoing commitment to resilient digital infrastructure that supports economic growth, enables flexible working and strengthens the county’s position as a place to live, work and visit.

To find out if gigabit broadband is available or planned for your address, please use the government’s checker: Check your gigabit broadband availability – GOV.UK

Residents and businesses are also being reminded of the nationwide switch-off of the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) in January 2027. If they haven’t already done so, now is the time to contact their Communication Provider to ensure a smooth transition to digital voice services and to protect systems that rely on traditional phone lines, such as alarms and sensors.

Notes to Editors

• Superfast broadband is defined as speeds above 30 Mbps.
• Project Gigabit is delivered nationally by Building Digital UK, part of the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology (DSIT).
• The PSTN switch off will take place nationally in January 2027.
• More information on digital connectivity in Shropshire is available at:
  https://next.shropshire.gov.uk/connecting-shropshire/
• Thinkbroadband coverage data: https://labs.thinkbroadband.com/local/E06000051
• Find out if gigabit broadband is available or planned for your address in England and Wales:
  https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-your-gigabit-broadband-availability