FASTEST INTERNET SPEEDS NOW AVAILABLE TO 95% OF SOUTH YORKSHIRE HOMES AND BUSINESSES

Published 30 December 2025 at 2:40pm

South Yorkshire has reached a major milestone in digital connectivity, with 95% of homes and businesses in the region now able to access gigabit-capable broadband, the fastest and most reliable internet currently available. 

The achievement surpasses the target set in the South Yorkshire Digital Infrastructure Strategy which aimed for 95% coverage by the end of 2025. The milestone was achieved in early November.  

By comparison, across the UK just under 90% of premises have access to the fastest internet available. 

Gigabit-capable broadband offers download speeds of around 1,000 megabits per second which means quicker streaming, smoother video calls, and the ability to use multiple devices without slowing down; essential for modern life and business.  

South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, said: “Getting online and staying connected isn’t a luxury; it’s vital. Whether we’re working from home, running a business or getting online for a doctor’s appointment, we all rely on a decent internet connection. 

“That’s why we’ve been working to fix it. To get more people across South Yorkshire access to the fastest internet there is. It’s about building a fairer, more connected South Yorkshire that’s fit for the future." 

Beyond convenience and entertainment, this level of connectivity brings significant economic benefits to the region; supporting residents to work and build skills online, while making South Yorkshire an attractive location for businesses to invest and grow. 

Most of the rollout has been delivered by commercial broadband providers such as Openreach, Virgin Media, CityFibre, Brsk and Pine Media, responding to strong local demand.  

South Yorkshire Digital Infrastructure Team (SYDIT) has worked behind the scenes to make this possible; championing areas where broadband is known to be slow or unreliable and helping providers overcome barriers, securing permissions, and coordinating with local authorities. 

Hard-to-reach areas have been supported through the Government’s Project Gigabit programme which subsidises the cost of building gigabit-capable broadband to areas that would not be reached by commercial build due to the costs.