Thousands of BT, Sky and TalkTalk users can finally access much faster broadband speeds. The boost is all thanks to Openreach - which provides internet connections across the UK - upgrading a number of locations including areas in Manchester, Luton and South Yorkshire.
The vital update replaces those ageing copper lines - which can only offer basic 70Mbps speeds - with much quicker Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) technology which is fully capable of beaming the web through walls at a staggering 1Gbps.
At the rapid rate, it would take just 30 seconds to download a full HD movie or just 7 minutes to get a blockbuster 50GB PS5 game installed on Sony's console.
Openreach cables are used by numerous Internet Service Providers (ISPs) including BT, Sky and TalkTalk which means those who are signed up to these suppliers may find they are now eligible for the upgrade.
Here's the latest list of locations and exchanges that have received the boost.
• Grangemouth - Falkirk
• Carnforth - Lancashire
• Mexborough - South Yorkshire
• Mercury - Greater Manchester
• Driffield - East Riding of Yorkshire
• Saughall - Cheshire
• Luton - Bedfordshire
• Redditch Old Town - Worcestershire
• Morriston - Swansea
• Cheriton - Kent
If you want to check to see exactly what speeds are available on your street you can check your postcode via the Openreach website
Although this is good news for thousands of homes, there's still some way to go until all UK properties get the download speeds they deserve.
However, Openreach - which is actually part of BT - says it is on track to have ‘gigabit capable broadband’ available to 85 per cent of UK by 2025.
Of course, not everyone needs those impressive 1Gbps speeds but anyone living in a busy home with family members endlessly streaming content, downloading games and making Zoom calls to the office will welcome the boost.
Here's a quick download guide to show how fast downloading a 4GB HD movie is using different broadband speeds.
BROADBAND SPEED GUIDE
Broadband speed 30Mbps - Download time = 19 minutes
Broadband speed 76Mbps - Download time = 8 minutes
Broadband speed 150Mbps - Download time = 4 minutes
Broadband speed 300Mbps - Download time = 2 minutes
Broadband speed 500Mbps - Download time = 1 minute
Broadband speed 1Gbps - Download time = 30 seconds
