Essex County Council has taken its next step in ongoing efforts to improve rural digital connectivity.

The council has commenced legal action against the broadband network operator Gigaclear for breach of contract. This breach in contract has left more than 400 homes without a gigabit broadband service.

The council has been working with Gigaclear since 2015. The operator was contracted to build a network to connect residents in rural Essex to full fibre broadband.

Four contracts were awarded to Gigaclear. They presented the best value of money for the taxpayer based on the proposed build. The contracts were expected to bring ultrafast broadband to more than 10,000 addresses in the county.

Three of these contracts remain unfulfilled. This has left more than 400 addresses in the Braintree, Colchester, Epping Forest and Uttlesford districts without access to ultrafast broadband.

The council’s decision to begin court proceedings follows unsuccessful attempts to work with Gigaclear through contractual mechanisms to resolve the issue.

Councillor Lee Scott, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Planning a Growing Economy, said: “We have made every effort to resolve these issues with Gigaclear, supporting them throughout the process.

“It is deeply disappointing to be let down in this manner. Rural connectivity is crucial, and our residents have been waiting patiently for better broadband access. We are taking this legal action to ensure they get the broadband connectivity they need and rightfully deserve.”

Affected residents have been notified of the legal action. The council remains committed to ensuring the delivery of essential broadband services. Further updates will be provided as court proceedings progress.