Full fibre broadband now live in Darras Hall
12 Apr 2023 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news
The UK’s newest, fastest, most reliable broadband technology, is now available to over 450 properties in Darras Hall.
Over the past eight months, Liverpool-based internet service provider FACTCO, has been working closely with the iNorthumberland Team at Northumberland County Council to install full fibre capable broadband to homes and businesses in the Darras Hall area.
Semi-retired quantity surveyor Mr Charles Laidlaw is the first resident to have his home connected by FACTCO and is now enjoying speeds up to 10 times faster than before.
Mr Laidlaw said: “The speeds I had before were just shocking to be honest, it kept dropping out which was always embarrassing during Teams meetings when working from home.
“The connection we have now with FACTCO is chalk and cheese, we were only getting about 30Mbps for download and half that for upload, now we’re averaging at 300Mbps.
“The guys who came to install it did a great job, they even worked in the rain!”
Full fibre ultrafast broadband works through fibre optic cables which run directly to properties allowing for significantly faster speeds than standard broadband. This means better, more reliable internet connection, faster streaming and download speeds, higher quality video calls and the ability to have several people using the connection at one time.
Cllr Richard Wearmouth, Northumberland County Council's deputy leader and cabinet member for corporate services is encouraging everyone to connect to the most efficient broadband speeds, where possible, across the county.
Cllr Wearmouth said: “This is fantastic news for our residents and businesses who today rely more and more on good connectivity for both work and leisure purposes. I’m thrilled to see better connectivity being rolled out in this area.
“Better broadband speeds are a major part of our lives now, especially since the rapid growth of digital technology. Having access to the best broadband available not only accelerates business growth and improves access to entertainment but also helps people stay in touch their friends and families much more conveniently.
“I want to thank the iNorthumberland team and FACTCO for all their hard work in making this possible. I look forward to seeing the potential this full fibre broadband installation will unlock.”
FACTCO Community Sales Manager, Mr Craig Morley, says that Darras Hall has longed for full fibre broadband.
Craig said: “I can’t say how proud I am of the team for having delivered the first stage of this project, it’s monumental to think what we have all achieved. I’ve met some wonderful people on the journey so far and I’d like to thank the community for their support. I’d also like to especially mention Simon Tappin who has been pivotal in this project.”
Local MP for Hexham, Guy Opperman, welcomes this much-awaited installation.
Guy said: “I’m delighted to see the roll out of full fibre broadband taking shape in Northumberland. We know there is more to be done and it is only the start of a long process, but this is a big step in bringing faster connectivity to our county.”
FACTCO is looking to investigate into further developing the network in Darras Hall and expect to be able to announce further news soon.
Those interested in a full fibre connection are encouraged to sign up to FACTCO’s newsletter, The Build Bulletin, for monthly updates.
If you’d like to ask about a FACTCO connection, please call them on 0333 305 7560 or email
hello@factco.co.uk.