IN 2019, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn used his radical general election manifesto to pledge free, super-fast broadband for everyone in the country – a plan described by his detractors as “broadband communism”.

Although “broadband communism” was not to be, Islington Council used its recent local election manifesto to promise “high-speed, cheap broadband” to all estates in the borough.

Now, a partnership between Islington Council and Community Fibre means this project is underway in earnest.

Engineers have already begun planning surveys in St Mary’s, according to Community Fibre. Over the next three years, the company said 36,000 properties will benefit from the network.

Communities chief Cllr Una O’Halloran said: “Fast, reliable internet is essential in our increasingly digital world and better broadband for council homes is an important part of our work to make Islington a more equal borough.

“We are bringing the benefit of super-fast broadband to people living on our estates and in our council homes. We are also pleased that these broadband partnerships will create apprenticeships and job opportunities in the borough.”