A major infrastructure project to build a faster broadband service in Haslington has now begun.

Next generation internet provider BeFibre has started the build of its future-proofed network, in the latest phase of a targeted £100m private investment to upgrade customers' worlds.

The start of the construction project means residents of the village will soon be able to enjoy broadband speeds 13 times faster than the fibre-to-the-cabinet (FTTC) coverage that currently spans the majority of the UK.

BeFibre plans to deliver fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) connectivity for over 2,000 properties.

With a phased roll-out scheduled, it is expected that the first homes will be broadband ready later this year. 

BeFibre's download and upload speeds equate to the ability to download a 1-hour TV programme in only seven seconds, or 500 Spotify songs in 25 seconds, for example. 

The company aims to reach a total of 80 locations and 1,000,000 premises by 2027.

BeFibre's sales director, Tim Dagnell-Scott, said: "As a country, there's a lot of work to be done in the UK, to provide communities with the internet connectivity they truly need.

"That's why we're working hard – and at pace – to deliver a future-proofed broadband network in areas that have been underserved, to date.

"We're working quickly, utilising existing ducts so we don't have to dig up the village's roads.

"This is less disruptive, allows us to connect homes faster, and it's better for the environment too.

"If you see us in the area, come and talk to us – we want to speak to as many residents as possible to understand what makes Haslington tick." 

Haslington's full-fibre network has been designed – and will be built and operated – by BeFibre's sister company, Digital Infrastructure.