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                   “We are very excited to welcome our first 50 villages in Essex to our growing future-ready network and to help make our region a flagbearer for world-class connectivity.”
Hyperfast full fibre broadband provides speeds of up to 1,000 megabits per second (Mbps) through fibre-to-the- premises (FTTP) networks in which fibre optic cables are connected directly into properties. This means users can download HD films in seconds, take full advantage of online streaming services such as on-demand TV, and allow the whole family, or all employees in a business, to enjoy fast, uninterrupted internet access.
In contrast, superfast broadband relies on fibre-to-the-cabinet (FTTC) infrastructure which, even though is promoted as fibre, uses copper elements to deliver the internet from green roadside cabinets to properties. Speeds halve approximately every 600 metres and connections can be unreliable in peak times.
The new networks in Essex are set to be fully operational by early next year. More villages are also expected to be announced to be built by Christmas with 140 in total being targeted across Essex and Norfolk. The roll-out is not dependent upon public money.
Schools and community halls are also being offered a free connection and service if the village signs up. At least 30% of residents and businesses are required to pre-order to give the green light to construct the network.
Laraine Green, a resident in Stanway where construction of the network has started, said: “I am very pleased our community has joined together to secure this new service and it’s amazing to think that our village will have some of the fastest broadband in the country.
From left Telec engineer, Jean Absalom, Eight Ash Green Parish Council Chairman, Lloyd Felton, Chief executive of County Broadband, Lesley Scott-Boutell, councillor for Dale Close in Stanway, James Salmon, County Broadband, Peter Butler, Operations Director at Telec, Telec engineer
“We’ve all struggled with slow internet speeds for too long, making watching online TV programmes, films and using other online services a real struggle, particularly for families who all want to get online at the same time. We can’t wait to start using the new service.”
In Norfolk, meanwhile, County Broadband has already held meetings with residents and community leaders in 21 villages to discuss the unique rollout plans and help secure support to trigger the construction of new gigabit-capable broadband networks.
County Broadband’s team have also been busy in the villages, supporting local charity fundraising events such as pub quizzes and engaging with the community.
n Residents and businesses can find out if they’re in a village covered in the rollout by using the postcode checker on County Broadband’s website: www.countybroadbandfibre.co.uk.
  Construction has begun to bring full fibre broadband to Essex villages
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