IMPROVEMENTS to broadband is promised next year for people living in some isolated Shropshire communities that struggle of get online.

As a result of a new roll out of ultrafast broadband by local provider SWS, that’s changing with Stiperstones village the first to benefit from a future proofed ‘gigabit capable’ broadband infrastructure.

A further 40 villages have been identified for Ultrafast broadband and more could follow with support from the Government’s Rural Gigabit Connectivity Voucher fund. SWS is urging rural property owners to register their interest as soon as possible, as the current scheme finishes in March 2021.

“If you’re someone that lives in a remote location and can’t access fast broadband, then you’ll be all too familiar with the frustration that brings,” Chris New, Managing Director of SWS said.

The new roll out is great news for both new and existing customers. SWS, having now been acquired by Rural Broadband Solutions PLC, has gained access to significant investment which will enable it to uplift its core network to run at 10Gbps and deliver ultrafast broadband capability to its existing customers.

The company has also identified some 6000 properties which are yet to be connected and are currently unable to access speeds in excess of 30Mbps. Of which, approximately 2000 are still enduring speeds of less than 10Mbps.