Fibre connectivity

Whilst over 98% of South Tyneside currently have access to superfast broadband, South Tyneside is committed to supporting the roll out of even faster, more reliable broadband.

Superfast uses "fibre to the cabinet" (FTTC) technology. This is a fibre connection from your local fibre exchange, to your local street cabinet and then copper wire from the cabinet to your home or business.

The next generation of gigabit-capable broadband uses "fibre-to-the-premises" technology, removing the need for ageing copper wires, using the fibre all the way to your home or business.

FTTP / Full fibre broadband is more reliable, much faster, and capable of achieving gigabit speeds (1000mbps).

Broadband speeds

Broadband speed is how quickly you can upload or download data using your internet connection.

For more information about the different broadband speeds, see Uswitch: Broadband Guide - Full-fibre broadband.

For the households and businesses who opt for a full-fibre connection, they will benefit from a more reliable broadband service with multiple devices being able to connect at once, without effecting the speed.

It will support the transformation and futureproofing of the digital landscape of South Tyneside.

The technology will support inward investment, existing businesses and provide new opportunities to transform living, working, learning and travel in the borough.

For new build properties, building regulations have recently been changed to make sure new homes are fitted with connections which can deliver gigabit-capable broadband.

For existing properties, a hybrid approach will be adopted. Where possible existing ducting under the road / footpath will be used and new fibre cables will be pulled through.

Where this is not possible, ducting will be added under roads, footpaths or land, for fibre cabling to be installed. These works will be carried out by qualified and insured contractors who have the appropriate permits with the Highways Authority.

Central government is committed to making sure gigabit-capable will be available nationwide by 2030. See, Gigabit-broadband in the UK: Government targets and policy - House of Commons Library (parliament.uk).

Many fibre providers (such as CityFibre, Virgin Media, Openreach, Grain Connect) are investing in fibre roll out across the UK.

South Tyneside Council are working closely with various fibre providers to help their roll out within the borough over the coming years.

Contractors will be in touch with residents when they are looking to install in their local area.

For complete and up to date road and streetworks, please visit South Tyneside Council: Roadworks and road closures.