KCOM full fibre broadband creates new opportunities for more villagers

Margaret Hebb didn’t see the point of buying a smart TV before.

Because although it would have been nice to have all the catch-up and streaming services many of us now take for granted – her old broadband just couldn’t cope.

“Before we either got a picture or the sound – and sometimes the picture was so pixelated you couldn’t see what it was,” says Margaret, who is the clerk for Bishop Burton Parish Council.

“But now we’ve got the fibre broadband, I can stream TV and watch things on iPlayer without any problems. It’s a thousand per cent better than it was.”

As the first customer to be connected to KCOM’s ultrafast Lightstream broadband in Bishop Burton, Margaret’s online activities have become seamless.

Before, playing bridge online and taking part in a Zoom call with friends at the same time often proved too frustrating with endless signal drop-outs. Now, with Lightstream, she has no such problems.

With a 200Mbps package she is able to work, take part in council meetings, socialise and stream knowing her broadband will be reliable and ultrafast.

“I know the broadband is only as strong as its weakest link,” says Margaret.

“That why, if you have the signal making the last part of its journey on copper wiring you’re going to struggle. I like the fact that KCOM’s broadband is delivered by fibre all the way to your house. It’s made a huge difference.”

Work is now continuing to connect all 200 properties in the picturesque East Riding village to full fibre broadband, with residents now able to register their interest in switching to the service.

John Rooney, managing director of KCOM Retail, said he was delighted to welcome Margaret as the latest member of the KCOM family.

Presenting her with a hamper of local produce and some flowers, he said: “It’s great to hear that Lightstream has already made a big difference to Margaret’s life and what’s she able to do online.

“The past year has highlighted just how important it is for us to have fast, reliable broadband that can keep us connected to our friends, families and colleagues. For many people living in rural villages the quality of broadband has simply not been good enough in the past and that’s why we’re committed to rolling out our full fibre service to as many towns and villages across East Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire as possible.

“Full fibre broadband can be truly transformative and open up whole new horizons for people working and relaxing at home. It can make life so much easier and, once you’ve tried ultrafast broadband, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it.”

Bishop Burton is the latest community to benefit from KCOM’s £100m network expansion programme with Driffield, Market Weighton, Pocklington, Nafferton, Hornsea, Withernsea and large parts of Bridlington now all able to access its ultrafast network.

KCOM is set to connect more East Riding communities along the A1079 corridor later this year, with the village of Melbourne, near Pocklington, and its surrounding areas being the first to benefit.

During the past 12 months, the broadband provider has also ventured south of the Humber for the first time in its 117-year history and has recently expanded its fibre network to North Lincolnshire towns and villages including Barton, Brigg, Barrow, Goxhill, Hibaldstow, Messingham and Epworth.

Now, as part of this expansion scheme KCOM is looking for local community champions across East Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire who will be able to spread the word about the benefits of full fibre broadband.

Working alongside KCOM, the local champions will help to inform their communities about full fibre – also known as Fibre To the Premises (FTTP) – broadband and how it works. The champions will also help highlight local projects and causes that KCOM can support through its Community Grant fund.

If you like to talk about becoming a KCOM broadband champion in your community contact champions@kcom.com

For more detail on registering interest in KCOM’s full fibre Lightstream broadband visit here