BROADBAND provider Openreach has outlined plans to build a new ultrafast, network to at least 40,000 in Shropshire, including Whitchurch.

A total of 14 exchanges across the county are being upgraded, with Wem and Ellesmere also on the list.

The plans also include an extension to the company's biggest ever recruitment drive, with a further 1,000 new roles being created in 2021 on top of the 2,500 jobs which were announced in December 2020 – of which around 160 were in the West Midlands.

Connie Dixon, Openreach's regional director for Shropshire, said: "Building a new ultrafast broadband network across the West Midlands is a massive challenge and some parts of the region will inevitably require public funding.

"But our expanded build plan means taxpayer subsidies can be limited to only the hardest to connect homes and businesses.

"And with investments from other network builders, we'd hope to see that shrink further.

"This is a hugely complex, nationwide engineering project.

"It will help level-up the UK because the impact of full fibre broadband stretches from increased economic prosperity and international competitiveness, to higher employment and environmental benefits.

"We're also delighted to continue bucking the national trend by creating more jobs in the region, with apprentices joining in their droves to start their careers as engineers.

"We'll publish further location details and timescales on our website as the detailed surveys and planning are completed and the build progresses.

"In the meantime, don't forget that you can also check what's already available which includes the thousands of homes and businesses across the West Midlands that can already access full fibre."