Cutting edge broadband being delivered to Kingston’s social housing tenants and businesses

Technician installing fibre optic cables

Social housing tenants in Old Malden are the first to gain access to full fibre broadband in Kingston Council’s strategy to bring fast internet to thousands of council properties across the borough.

The initiative will deliver high quality, reliable internet connections to homes and businesses in some of the most disadvantaged areas of Kingston, and support many people who have moved to working from home since the pandemic.

The council has also negotiated agreements with broadband providers to ensure residents will be able to access low cost packages, supporting more people to benefit from modern internet connection even in the face of the rising cost of living. Tenants of commercial property owned by the council will also be able to use the new fibre optic  connections for their businesses.

The installation comes at no cost to the council or residents, with users only paying if they choose to sign up to faster internet speeds offered at varied price packages depending on the provider, including Community Fibre’s low cost social broadband tariff available to those struggling with the cost of living.

This innovative programme is a result of the council approving access agreements for Community Fibre earlier this year, to bring full fibre broadband investment to the borough. Its fibre optic cables are installed directly into people’s homes, replacing older and slower copper technology, and capable of delivering speeds up to 3,000 Mbps, and up to 10 Gbps for businesses. . 

Councillor John Sweeney, Portfolio Holder for Business, Recycling & Customer Care & Co-Chair of Corporate & Resources Committee, said: 


“Bringing full fibre broadband to social housing is part of our commitment to Kingston residents, particularly those in more disadvantaged areas, to enable access to cutting edge technologies. We want to support people across the borough in embracing digital innovations." 

 

“Following the pandemic, we understand the importance of digital inclusion and home internet access more than ever. Newly connected, fast broadband can make a big difference to residents and businesses in Kingston. These high speed internet connections can help support a growing number of people relying on the internet for work, education or community bonding. This initiative is part of a wider effort to increase connectivity and digital inclusion for all Kingston residents.”

The fibre cabling started being installed across the borough in early 2022 and will take another 12-18 months to complete. As part of the initial agreement, Community Fibre and Hyperoptic will also deliver free Wi-Fi in communal areas of local community hubs and council-owned community buildings like Queen Mary Hall in Norbiton. 

Graeme Oxby, CEO of Community Fibre, said: 


“ At Community Fibre, we believe that everyone should have access to the best internet to ensure growth and greater opportunities for all. Closing the digital divide is our priority. Therefore, we are focused on accelerating our full fibre rollout to facilitate better internet for everyone supported by our Community Investments and Digital Ambassadors programme. 


We are pleased to be working with Kingston Council to bring London’s fastest internet to its residents at the best prices, which has held a 4.9 ‘Excellent’ Trust Pilot score and 96% 5-star reviews (October) for the past three years.”

Published: 10th October 2022