Thousands in Stone yet to benefit from major broadband upgrade

More than 9,500 homes and businesses in Stone now have access to Full Fibre - but thousands have yet to make the switch, despite the potential for faster and more reliable broadband.

By contributor Jamie Callaghan
Published

The £2.8m investment by Openreach has brought gigabit-capable broadband to around 95 per cent of properties in the area. However, many are yet to switch, prompting calls for residents to check their eligibility for upgrading.

Full Fibre technology allows for smoother streaming, faster downloads, and more stable connections - particularly important for households with multiple devices or for those working from home.

People living in Stone can see if they can upgrade to full fibre by visiting Openreach’s full fibre checker

People can use the Openreach website to check if they can upgrade.
People can use the Openreach website to check if they can upgrade.

Kasam Hussain, Partnership Director for the North and Midlands, said: “Most of Stone is covered by Full Fibre, but many residents and businesses haven’t yet made the switch. It’s not automatic - you need to place an order with your chosen provider. 

“The difference in speed and reliability can be significant, especially for busy households or people working from home. We want to make sure everyone knows what’s available and how to get it.

“Openreach is committed to building the best full fibre network, and doing it sustainably is crucial for our business, the communities we serve, and the environment we all share. As part of our ‘Let’s Reach Zero’ strategy, we aim to lower our carbon emissions, use less and waste less material, and protect nature wherever we operate.”

Full Fibre technology offers a faster, more reliable connection that keeps up with the demands of today’s digital world. 

Whether streaming your favourite show, gaming online, making a video call, managing your finances, or running a business, full fibre keeps everything running smoothly. 

Openreach’s full fibre network now reaches more than 20 million properties, and the company plans to extend this to 25 million homes and businesses by the end of 2026, with a belief it can reach as many as 30 million by the end of the decade – with the right investment conditions.