Virgin Media O2 and Nexfibre Bring Ultrafast Broadband to Hastings

In a major boost for residents and businesses, Virgin Media O2 and Nexfibre have started rolling out their ultrafast broadband networks across Hastings. The move promises to deliver internet speeds up to 25 times faster than the local average.

Bringing Hastings Up to Speed

With Nexfibre’s fiber-optic lines capable of 1 Gbps and Virgin Media O2 offering average speeds of 1,130 Mbps, Hastings is set to become one of the best-connected towns in the UK. “We’re thrilled to finally have proper broadband,” said Sarah Thompson, 42, a graphic designer who works from home. “No more waiting ages for files to upload or videos to buffer.”

Covering the Town

Virgin Media O2 aims to reach 7,000 homes in the Hastings area by early 2023. The £25 million project will see 80 kilometers of fiber-optic cables laid, connecting premises from the historic Old Town to the bustling city center and suburban neighborhoods.

Nexfibre has even more ambitious plans, targeting 35,000 homes and businesses. The Hastings rollout marks the start of the company’s £100 million investment across East Sussex.

Transforming Lives and Livelihoods

For many Hastings residents, ultrafast broadband will be life-changing. “My son does all his schoolwork online now,” said Mark Wilson, 35, a single father. “With our old connection, the Zoom classes kept freezing. It was a nightmare.”

Local businesses are also eager to upgrade. “We’ve been waiting years for this,” said Rachel Davis, owner of a seafront hotel. “With fast, reliable Wi-Fi, we can finally offer guests the modern amenities they expect.”

Fierce Competition

Virgin Media O2 and Nexfibre aren’t the only players in town. CityFibre has been building its own network in Hastings since 2021, while Openreach and Community Fibre also have a presence. With so many providers vying for customers, residents can expect competitive pricing and a wide range of packages.

“It’s great to have choice,” said Andrew Mitchell, 28, a software engineer. “I’ll definitely be comparing deals to get the best value for money.”

Narrowing the Digital Divide

For too long, Hastings has lagged behind other parts of the UK in terms of broadband speeds. According to Ofcom, only 68% of premises in the town have access to ultrafast connections, compared to over 90% in cities like London and Manchester.

“Fast internet is no longer a luxury – it’s a necessity,” said Councilor Emma Evans, who has championed the rollout. “By investing in our digital infrastructure, we’re ensuring that Hastings can compete in the 21st-century economy.”

Looking to the Future

As Virgin Media O2 and Nexfibre extend their reach, Hastings is poised for a digital revolution. With gigabit speeds at their fingertips, residents will be able to stream, download, and connect like never before.

But the benefits go beyond entertainment and convenience. Ultrafast broadband has the potential to attract new businesses, create jobs, and boost economic growth. For a town that has often been overlooked, that’s an exciting prospect indeed.