Freedom Fibre was awarded a Project Gigabit contract in mid-2023 covering North Shropshire, but they pulled out of this in June 2025 having delivered less than a third of the 12,000 promised premises.
Shropshire Council has written to the Government expressing concern about what they call unacceptable delays following termination of Freedom Fibre’s ‘Project Gigabyte’ (sic) contract, expressing concern about residents waiting years for full fibre connectivity.
Helen Morgan, MP for North Shropshire was also seeking answers from the Government since Freedom Fibre withdrew from the Cheshire Project Gigabit contract in March 2025.
We are writing to you today with an urgent appeal concerning the delayed broadband connections in our rural communities. It is imperative that we collectively apply pressure on the Government to honour its commitment and expedite the delivery of full-fibre broadband to Shropshire’s rural areas.
As you will be well aware, economic growth and prosperity in rural areas are intrinsically linked to both digital and physical connectivity. The termination of Freedom Fibre’s contract, which promised to connect 12,000 homes but delivered less than one-third, is a significant setback for our communities. The potential delay until 2030 for some premises is simply unacceptable.
Rural families and businesses rely heavily on high-speed broadband for their daily operations and overall quality of life. The lack of reliable internet access hinders educational opportunities, limits business growth, and reduces access to essential services. In a world where digital connectivity is paramount, it is disheartening to see our rural areas being left behind.
We urge you to join us in advocating for the immediate fulfilment of the Government’s promises under Project Gigabit. The Government must recognize the unique challenges faced by rural communities and prioritize the roll-out of high-speed broadband in these areas. The current approach, which seems to favour urban connections, only exacerbates the digital divide and undermines the potential for economic growth in rural Shropshire.
We must emphasize that the economic vitality of our region depends on robust digital infrastructure. High-speed broadband is not a luxury; it is a necessity for businesses to thrive, for students to succeed, and for residents to access healthcare and other critical services. The delayed roll-out of broadband not only stifles economic development but also hamper our ability to compete in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
In light of these pressing concerns, we ask you to leverage your influence and advocate for a swift resolution to this issue. We need the Government to commit to a clear and expedited timeline for the delivery of full-fibre broadband to all of Shropshire’s rural communities.
Your support in this matter is crucial to ensuring that our region is not left behind in the digital age.
Thank you for your attention to this critical issue. We look forward to your support and collaboration in advocating for the connectivity that our rural communities rightfully deserve.
Letter from Cllr Heather Kidd, Leader of Shropshire Council and Cllr Rob Wilson, Portfolio Holder for transport and Economy Growth
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Errr …
Helen Morgan is the MP for North Shropshire, and not North Yorkshire, as you incorrectly state in your article above.
Oops. Thanks. I was quite tired when writing this up late so must have just mistyped.
What about other areas, are they on target? Fibrus are working around West Cumbria but as yet, a year ago they put up some poles with fibre to the edge of Egremont but nothing inthe town. 2 weeks ago they (Viberoptics) landed and started digging up pavements for a week then left. Less than half the properties have a Fibrus box outside. When will they return?