News Summary:
Openreach, operator of the UK’s largest full-fiber network, announced on March 14, 2026, that it can detect water leaks near its fiber infrastructure by identifying nearby vibrations. The BT Group subsidiary uses Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS), a technology developed by Lightsonic, and reported preventing the loss of 2 million liters of water a day over three months through this method. Previously, on March 13, the UK Government reported that broadband upgrades under Project Gigabit are progressing at their fastest rate since 2021, with Openreach being the largest contract holder for Type C contracts. On the same day, Openreach engineers began rolling out full-fiber broadband to more rural North Devon communities, including Chulmleigh, Winkleigh, Harracott, and Combe Martin, as part of the Government’s Project Gigabit programme. Concurrently, work under Project Gigabit commenced to provide faster internet speeds to residents in rural Shropshire, covering areas such as Much Wenlock, Six Ashes, and Bridgnorth.
Subscribe for full access to Openreach's profile
Subscribe for full access to Openreach's products in full detail 
