Frequently Asked Questions

What is Superfast West Yorkshire & York?

Superfast West Yorkshire & York is the brand name for the West Yorkshire Local Broadband Project.

When we refer to Superfast West Yorkshire we mean: enabling basic broadband (ie 2 Megabits per second plus (2Mbps+) as a minimum, right across the West Yorkshire defined area; and significant levels of speed uplift to provide superfast broadband (24Mbps+) for as much of West Yorkshire and York as possible.

What is Superfast Broadband?

Superfast Broadband is defined as data download speeds in excess of 24 megabits per second.

Basic broadband is broadband which delivers access line speeds of at least 2 Mbps (Megabit per second - used to measure data transfer speeds of high bandwidth connections).

Broadband refers to telecommunication in which a wide range of frequencies is available to transmit information. This means that more information can be sent or received in a given amount of time (much as more lanes on a road allows more cars to travel on it at the same time.

Bandwidth refers to how much data you can send through a network or modem connection and it’s usually measured in bits per second.

What is the West Yorkshire Local Broadband Project?

It is a project that aims to help improve broadband coverage across West Yorkshire and York – focusing on those areas which have either no or poor coverage. Many rural and remote areas have poor broadband because they were not deemed commercially viable by telecoms infrastructure providers.

Who is involved in the project?

We are funded by the five West Yorkshire authorities of Calderdale, Wakefield, Kirklees, Bradford and Leeds, by the City of York, and by Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK), part of the Department of Culture, Media and Sport. The project is also supported by the Leeds City Region and the Association of West Yorkshire Authorities.

How much is the project worth?

Phase one of the Superfast West Yorkshire Project is worth approximately £23.94 million - capital and revenue. Phase two of the project is worth £13 million.

Who is funding the project?

Phase one was jointly funded by the European Regional Development Fund Programme 2007-2013, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, BT, and West Yorkshire’s five Local Authorities. Phase two of the project includes £6.89 million from the Government’s Superfast Extension Plan and £6.1 million from BT, alongside additional investment from West Yorkshire Combined Authority and local authority partners.

When will the project start and end?

Phase one commenced in September 2013 and was completed in July 2015. Phase two was signed in July 2015 and will be completed in 2018, extending the reach into Kirklees and York.

How will it benefit West Yorkshire?

The project will boost the local economy by improving internet access and online services, enhancing business efficiency and competitiveness.

What benefits will I see as a householder from better broadband?

Better broadband will improve access to online shopping, banking, and public services, and enhance online entertainment and family communication. It will facilitate homework and independent learning for children, improve lifelong learning opportunities for adults, and enable effective home working.

What benefits will I see as a business from better broadband?

Better broadband will enable businesses to innovate, expand into new markets, increase efficiency, and drive costs down. See the business section for applications and benefits of better broadband.

What broadband speeds can I expect to receive?

Fibre to the cabinet technology delivers speeds of up to 80Mbps, but final speeds will depend on several factors.

Will all areas be covered by the project?

Phase 2 aims for >98% coverage of premises by the end of 2018, excluding areas where private companies plan to invest.

Is there a chance I may not get access to broadband?

Some remote locations may not achieve high-speed fibre broadband due to cost or technical reasons; hence, ensuring basic Broadband (2 Mbps) access is vital.

How can I register my demand for better broadband?

We encourage businesses and residents to register their demand for better broadband through our website. This helps us identify high-demand areas for future enhancements.

Are you working with any partners?

Yes, we work closely with multiple authorities and business support partners to inform residents and businesses about the project.

Who can I contact for more information?

For further information, you can contact enquiries@superfastwestyorkshire.co.uk.