Getting connected – Project Gigabit

Getting connected

We know how important it is to feel connected, and we want all of our customers to have access to faster, affordable and reliable broadband. To do this, we’re rolling out a fibre broadband programme that will make sure all our customers have access to fast, affordable broadband and the benefits that connectivity brings.

We’ll be working with broadband providers who can deliver a reliable service to our customers, and work safely and without risk to our customers and their homes. Connecting every household will take us time, so please bear with us. We’ll be writing to customers of individual homes when we have an agreed programme in place, and will let you know which provider/s will be connecting in your area.

FAQs

When will you be installing in my area?

We’re working with a number of internet service providers to roll out fibre broadband as widely as we can, throughout our estates.

This is a huge programme and we won’t be able to get to all places at once.
What is fibre-optic broadband and what will it mean for me?

Fibre-optic cables can deliver ‘lightning-fast’ internet, with internet speeds of up to 1 Gigabytes per second or 1,000 Megabytes per second, compared with the national average of 50.4 Megabytes per second.
What will this cost me?

Installing the cables is free, and there won’t be an increase to your service charge. If you want to take advantage of improved broadband, you can choose to pay for a service.
What does the installation involve?

The first stage of the work will be to install cable junction boxes in communal areas of buildings. This will involve some drilling, but engineers will only be doing this between 9.00am and 5.00pm. They’ll then install cables on the outside of each building or within the building, to just outside each flat door. The second stage will be to install cables inside customers’ homes.
Do I have to take up the new fibre-optic broadband service?

No. Once cables have been installed, you can choose to pay for a broadband service or not.
Will this affect my existing broadband service?

No. This will be a new installation in parallel to any existing internet service you may have.
Who do I contact if I want to take up the new service?

Once work is finished, the internet service provider will be in touch to offer its services.
I already have broadband with another provider. Can I upgrade?

You can upgrade if you want to. But you should first check your existing contract and check when it expires. Otherwise, you could end up paying for two separate broadband services.
Who do I contact if there is a problem during this installation?

The fibre installation team will provide contact details of the installation manager on site during the installation.
Do I need permission if I live in a house or bungalow?

If installing to a flat, block or converted house, then the supplier must enter an agreement with Hyde (called a Wayleave agreement), to allow the supplier and you to become connected to fibre. If you live in a house or bungalow, you do not require our permission to proceed with fibre broadband.