New network provides 5,000 homes with access to Full Fibre broadband

• More than 5,000 homes in and around Leiston can now access Full Fibre broadband 
• Openreach engineers have built a new high-speed fibre network as part of an agreement to provide connectivity to Sizewell C 
• It comes after Sizewell C recently funded the extension of a scheme offering free Wi-Fi in Leiston town centre 

More than 5,000 homes in and around Leiston can now access ultra-reliable Full Fibre broadband after Sizewell C’s local investment enabled Openreach to accelerate their build plans for the local area.  

Over the past 12 months, Openreach engineers have built a high-speed fibre network linking Leiston to a local exchange in Saxmundham.  

As a result, residents and businesses in Leiston, Aldeburgh, Saxmundham, and Halesworth can now benefit from drastically improved broadband speeds and greater reliability. 

Tom Read, Senior Operations & Fibre Manager for East Anglia, Openreach said: “We’re pleased that more than 5,000 homes in and around Leiston – including Aldeburgh, Saxmundham and Halesworth – can now access Full Fibre broadband, thanks to our partnership with Sizewell C. Full Fibre is the UK’s most reliable broadband technology, providing gigabit-capable speeds that support seamless connectivity across multiple devices – perfect for busy households, home working, or streaming entertainment. 

“The work took around 12 months to complete, and throughout the process, our engineers did everything they could to keep disruption to a minimum for local residents.” 

The new network was made possible after Openreach agreed to provide connectivity to Sizewell C – the new 3.2GW nuclear power station under construction on the Suffolk coast. As part of the agreement, Openreach extended its infrastructure to benefit the wider area. 

Marjorie Barnes, Head of Regional External Affairs and Development, Sizewell C, said: “We all know how important it is to have a good broadband connection, so I’m delighted we’ve played a part in improving connectivity for thousands of families. 

“This is another great example where Sizewell C has worked with partners to benefit the community.”   

To order Full Fibre broadband, residents can either contact their existing provider, or any of the major broadband providers, including BT/EE, Sky, Vodafone, and TalkTalk, and many more that use the Openreach network.  

People living locally can also visit Openreach’s Fibre Checker to see if they’re included. 

In addition to the broadband rollout, Sizewell C recently contributed £10,000 to help fund new equipment for free public Wi-Fi in Leiston town centre. 

This investment, delivered in partnership with East Suffolk Council, has expanded the council’s Digital Towns programme to cover large parts of the High Street and Main Street.