Staffordshire is making strong progress in improving digital infrastructure, helping people and businesses stay connected.
Key achievements
- Over 372,800 premises now have access to gigabit‑capable broadband
- This has increased from just 4,000 in 2018
- The county reached 86% coverage in summer 2026 – six months ahead of schedule
- Staffordshire now has 78% full fibre coverage
This puts Staffordshire ahead of similar areas like Shropshire (77%) and Cheshire East (85%).
Investment and support
The work is supported by nearly £47 million of government funding through Project Gigabit. This funding focuses on reaching rural and hard‑to‑connect areas so no communities are left behind.
The county council has worked closely with:
- Local communities
- Commercial partners
- The UK Government
Together they have:
- Expanded full fibre networks
- Delivered voucher‑funded broadband projects (now complete)
- Supported digital inclusion across the county
More than 2,500 homes and businesses have improved connectivity through community projects, with 29 communities receiving targeted support.
Improving mobile coverage
Mobile coverage is also improving. The council is:
- Using new data to identify areas with poor signal
- Working with major providers to fix gaps in coverage
- Focusing on rural “not‑spots”
Supporting residents with digital inclusion
The council is piloting new ways to help people stay connected, especially:
- Older people
- Residents in rural areas
This includes:
- Virtual reality projects
- Managed digital support to reduce isolation and support independent living
A funding bid has been submitted to expand this work.
What happens next
The council will continue to:
- Work towards full gigabit coverage
- Promote digital skills
- Support take‑up of new technology
- Maximise the economic and social benefits of connectivity
Andrew Mynors, Cabinet Member for Connectivity, said digital infrastructure is now essential for everyday life, supporting business growth, education and independent living. He added that the council is committed to making Staffordshire a fully connected county.
Find out more
You can check broadband coverage in your area on the ThinkBroadband website.
