Fast reliable digital connectivity is pivotal for modern business…
To date, Shropshire Council and its partners have invested over £32m in improving broadband infrastructure through its “Connecting Shropshire” broadband programme, most recently committing up to £2.5 million of additional funding to ‘top-up’ the government’s Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme in partnership with the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology (DSIT)
Ensuring that all businesses have access to fast and reliable broadband remains a key strategic priority for the Council, particularly in realising the full economic benefits and growth potential that better digital connectivity brings.
SHROPSHIRE COUNCIL IS WORKING CLOSELY WITH GOVERNMENT TO FURTHER IMPROVE BROADBAND CONNECTIVITY
In 2021, the UK government launched Project Gigabit, a £5 billion national project to deliver ‘gigabit-capable’ broadband connectivity to those areas of the country that are commercially unviable for broadband infrastructure suppliers to serve without public funding.
Building Digital UK (BDUK) is responsible and has awarded contracts to Openreach to build full-fibre broadband networks in Shropshire. The first Shropshire premises to benefit from these contracts are expected in 2026
Coverage Statistics: Shropshire Council
In January 2026 Thinkbroadband reported that over 78% of premises in the Shropshire Council area had access to a full-fibre broadband connection (Source: Broadband Coverage and Speed Test Statistice for Shropshire)
In July 2025, Ofcom reported geographic 4G mobile phone coverage from all four Mobile Network Operators in the Shropshire Council area as 91% (Source: Connected Nations: Interactive report 2025)
digital switchover
The Digital Switchover means moving from analogue phone lines to internet-based Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) as Openreach are ceasing the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) in January 2027.
This will impact all businesses, including those using systems like alarms, card machines, or lifts connected to landlines. Businesses must contact their telephony provider to assess existing equipment, plan for upgrades, and to ensure continuity of services.
Making a real difference to businesses – video case studies:
Shropshire Council continues to work with the telecommunications industry
Government and Ofcom achieve mobile phone coverage improvements whilst exploring innovative new opportunities that 5g may present for our communities and businesses.