Tens of thousands of homes and businesses across Sandwell are experiencing a digital revolution, thanks to Openreach’s full fibre network build.
With more than 90,000 premises now reached in areas like Bearwood, Tipton, Wednesbury, and West Bromwich, Openreach’s team of engineers are doing all they can to help residents and businesses get connected.
This once-in-a-generation upgrade is transforming daily life – helping local companies thrive online and equipping the community with the tools needed for the digital future.
Local engineers like James Hefford and Ian Dunnaway live and work in and around West Bromwich and have gone from joining Openreach as apprentices to being at the forefront of this huge fibre build.
James says: “Full fibre is a game-changer – faster, more reliable, and ready for the future. I joined Openreach as an apprentice, having previously worked as a project manager in a clothing company for 10 years. Making the jump into broadband was a bit daunting at first, but with other engineers around, you soon settle in.
“I enjoy the challenge of building the new network in my own community. I try to explain to people the benefits of full fibre, how it’s reliable and important for everyday smart home technology.
“There’s real job satisfaction in seeing the impact on local lives. I’ve built new full fibre networks in places where my friends and family live, and I enjoy enabling my local community do things like working from home more easily.”
Sandwell is one of many areas in the West Midlands benefiting from Openreach’s investment in full fibre. Already, more than 1.4 million homes and businesses across the region now have access, with more to come as work continues.
Ian says: “I joined from a regular 9-5 office job and moving to Openreach was one of the best things I’ve ever done. Being part of the team that’s building this new network is exciting, especially because I get to do it in the area where I live and where many of my friends and family call home.
“Since joining Openreach, I’ve loved working with local people and businesses, seeing first-hand how full fibre is making a difference. I’ve been with the company for three years and I’ve always worked on our full fibre network.
“I enjoy being out and about across West Bromwich, never in the same location, and making a difference to local communities. Every job we do is different, and I enjoy working out what is best for customers, how to best install full fibre for them, and then seeing how happy they are when they’re connected.
The work is all part of Openreach’s £15 billion project to upgrade the UK’s broadband infrastructure – making gigabit-capable technology available to 25 million homes and businesses by the end of 2026.
More than 3,000 Openreach people currently live and work in the West Midlands and the company works closely with local authorities including Sandwell Council.
Sandwell Council Deputy Leader Councillor Paul Moore says: “Full fibre broadband is a crucial investment for Sandwell’s future, giving our businesses a competitive edge and helping residents access vital services.
“It’s also great to see local jobs being created as part of this project, bringing real social value to our community.
“This upgrade will help close the digital divide and ensure everyone benefits from a more inclusive, connected future.”
Check your upgrade today by visiting the Openreach postcode checker to find out if full fibre is available in your area, and contact your broadband provider to switch.
