York Sea Cadets are amongst the first to secure the latest full fibre gigabit broadband from a local internet provider.
Fastr Broadband has continued its rollout to homes and businesses within the city, including new connections for the York Christmas Markets and Cadets.
With Phase 1 and 2 of its build now complete, hundreds of connections across the centre can now experience unrivalled internet speeds.
Fastr provides speeds of up to 8,000 Mbps, with download speeds up to 452 times and upload speeds up to 8000 times faster than those in the area.
Since joining the network, York Sea Cadets have experienced first hand the difference these changes make.
Based at the site on Skeldergate, their internet speeds have transformed from 2 Mbps to 900 Mbps.
Speaking of their connection, Tom Atkinson, Instructor at York Sea Cadets said: “Fastr Broadband has been utterly transformative for York Sea Cadets.
“We have gone from unreliable internet with frequent dropouts and having to print off worksheets and activities at home to being able to keep our cadets engaged with varied activities, streaming videos and encouraging more interaction in our sessions.
“We are always recruiting for new cadets and volunteers and we hope that our new found digital presence will encourage more local people to join us!”
Fastr Broadband also recently connected York Christmas Markets, allowing over 30 stallholders to power their stalls with a reliable connection.
Managing director of Marbletree and stallholder, Chris, said how this has had a huge impact: “The Wi-Fi has been amazing this year at York and it has helped our business run easier and saved us time and money as we have been able to use the Wi-Fi to put our orders though on the stand. We would love to have the same service again next year.”
The service is also now available in streets across York, including: Blake Street, Bootham, Church Street, Claremont Terrace, Colliergate, Coney Street, Coppergate, Gillygate, Goodramgate, High Petergate, Low Petergate, Lord Mayor’s Walk, Marygate, Stonegate, Swinegate and Parliament Street.
With the ambition of connecting 8,000 homes and businesses, the build is progressing to other streets and areas inside the city walls.
Phase 3 will concentrate on the Fossgate area, with completion anticipated by January 2025. Phase 4 will commence in the new year, with Walmgate and Piccadilly aiming to be completed by April 2025.
Using the latest fibre optic infrastructure, the build is being carried out considerately, following the routes of existing infrastructure along the outsides of each property, to ensure minimal impact on the historic buildings.
Speaking of the build progress, Pete Evans, Director at Fastr Broadband, said: “We are pleased to have made significant progress on our network build and in turn delivering our vision of helping York residents and businesses to connect to the best broadband they’ve ever had.
“We have connected homes and businesses within York’s city walls and created a loyal customer base that have seen their connection transform their internet experience. We are looking forward to expanding our network in 2025 to help even more businesses to power up their productivity and give residents a rock-solid connection.
“We encourage those living and working within the city walls to register their interest so they can begin their connection or be among the first to know about when our broadband is available.”
To register your interest, or find out more information, go to Fastr Broadband’s website here.