Our Digital Infrastructure Strategy (available in the Downloads section on this page) sets out our approach to supporting the rollout of full fibre broadband and wireless connectivity including 5G.
Most of Wolverhampton can currently get superfast and ultrafast speeds. Here you can check current connectivity in your area.
Full fibre broadband will meet future demands for connectivity arising from internet traffic growth, video on demand, cloud services, 5G backhaul, reliability and the explosion of IOT devices - and recognising wider economic and service delivery benefits.
The City of Wolverhampton are a wave 2 area for the Local Full Fibre Network connecting public sector premises across the city. Construction of the network has started and is due to continue until March 2021. All residents affected will receive notice by post 7 days before. If you encounter any issues during the build, please contact CityFibre’s 24/7 helpline on 0800 083 6160.
To upgrade connectivity in your area:
Residents can get together and express an interest in finding a solution to infrastructure providers including:
For residents seeking support to get online to improve their digital skills or keep in touch with families and friends, go to www.bt.com/skillsfortomorrow and here to access public services.
Developers: for new build developments, developers should consider that fibre is increasingly a key consideration for house buyers and businesses with many viewing fibre as essential as standard utilities. Many infrastructure providers will install fibre at no or minimum cost depending on the size of the development including:
- Openreach - Fibre for Developers
- Virgin Media - Property Developers
- City Fibre - Property Developers or email newbuild@cityfibre.com
- Hyperoptic - Property Developers
Note: this list is not exclusive. It is advisable that the opportunity is made open to more than one infrastructure provider since it offers maximum choice for residents/tenants and minimises disruption caused by future rollouts.
Fixed Network Operators: the Council’s aim is to support the rollout of future-proofed digital infrastructure by simplifying processes and standardising agreements in line with the Electronic Communication Code based on best practice elsewhere.
To support the rollout of full-fibre broadband in the city, we have adopted an approach to speed up the installation of full-fibre broadband including standard wayleave agreement subject to agreement of the rollout plan and process. To request a master wayleave for City of Wolverhampton buildings, please e-mail digital.infrastructure@wolverhampton.gov.uk
5G is mobile internet as fast as fibre with speeds up to 1GB with huge capacity to connect thousands of uses and devices at consistently ultrafast speeds. It is ultra-reliable, secure and low latency (doesn’t drop connections) which could be transformational for industry.
Wolverhampton is one of only nine cities in the UK where all four Mobile Network Operators have announced rollout in Wolverhampton.
The City of Wolverhampton is working closely with West Midlands Combined Authority's Urban Connected Cities project WM5G to support the rollout of 5G, including facilitating access to assets, simplifying processes and standardised lease agreements in line with the Electronic Communication Code 2017. For more information, please contact Digital.Infrastructure@wolverhampton.gov.uk
Commercial developers should note that some modern construction act as a faraday cage for 5G therefore inbuilding infrastructure would be required for their tenants to access 5G.
Traffic and Highways
- To apply for temporary traffic management
- To apply for a Highways Licence
Sources: www.mobileuk.org/5g, Councillor Guide to Connectivity, Cornerstone Community Information, Code of practise.
News
- Another 5G mast in Wolverhampton
- Full fibre network works get underway
- WM5G dispels 5G health myths and condemns attacks on telecoms engineers and infrastructure
Jargon Buster
- Superfast Broadband – up to 30MB
- Ultrafast Broadband – up to 100MB
- Full Fibre – up to 1GB
- MNOs - Mobile Network Operators