Borderlink, trading as GoFibre, was awarded the £7.3 million contract last autumn as part of Project Gigabit. The company has spent the last six months planning and surveying for the build alongside the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and Northumberland County Council.
Construction is scheduled for completion in 2025, with homes and businesses across Berwick-upon-Tweed, Seahouses, Wooler, and Belford able to access gigabit-capable broadband from autumn this year.
Neil Conaghan, chief executive officer at GoFibre (pictured), said, “We have been busy engaging with rural-based residents and businesses across the north of England and the demand for full fibre connectivity couldn’t be higher.
“These communities are at real risk of being left behind and so we are thrilled to be addressing the rural digital divide head-on with our North Northumberland build officially underway.
“We are grateful for residents’ patience and understanding during the construction phase and we look forward to them experiencing the great benefits of full fibre connectivity later this year.”
Sir John Whittingdale, the minister for data and digital infrastructure, added, “The government’s flagship £5bn Project Gigabit scheme is bringing fast, reliable connectivity to every corner of the UK.
“Whether in towns, cities, or rural communities like North Northumberland, it’s vital that everyone has access to a modern digital infrastructure which unlocks opportunity and fuels growth.”