Cornwall to Receive £41 Million Boost for Ultra-Fast Broadband Connectivity

Thousands of homes and businesses in the rural stretches of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly are poised to receive ultra-fast, gigabit-capable broadband as part of a significant £41 million contract awarded to Wildanet.

This investment marks the third major allocation under the UK Government’s ambitious £5 billion Project Gigabit programme, aimed at equipping hard-to-reach areas with high-speed internet.

Expanding Coverage Across Cornwall

Wildanet, a local broadband provider, will utilise this investment to connect over 16,800 premises in East Cornwall, West Cornwall, and St Mary’s in the Isles of Scilly. This effort expands upon the previous year’s £36 million funding which supported the connection of 19,250 homes and businesses in South West and Mid Cornwall. With this latest funding, the total investment in Cornwall’s digital infrastructure reaches an impressive £74 million, targeting more than 37,000 premises in total.

Benefits of Gigabit-Capable Broadband

Gigabit-capable broadband, providing speeds up to 1,000 megabits per second, is set to transform the digital landscape in Cornwall. This ultra-fast service can download a high-definition film in less than a minute and supports multiple online activities simultaneously. It’s a game-changer for remote schooling, digital health, and small businesses, facilitating robust online operations.

Job Creation and Training Opportunities

This project is not just about faster internet speeds; it’s also a catalyst for economic growth. Julia Lopez, the Digital Infrastructure Minister, highlighted the dual benefits of this rollout, noting that it will “spark new job opportunities” and significantly improve the reliability of connectivity. Wildanet CEO, Helen Wylde-Archibald, emphasised the project’s role in bridging the digital divide and fostering economic development through enhanced digital infrastructure.

Community Impact and Testimonials

Residents have already begun to experience the benefits of improved broadband. Ellen Morris from Lanivet shared her relief at the drastic improvements in speed and reliability, which have “made a huge difference” to her family’s daily life. This sentiment is echoed across the community as more residents and businesses make the switch to Wildanet’s service.

Sustainable and Ethical Business Practices

Adding to its accolades, Wildanet has achieved Certified B Corporation status, underscoring its commitment to sustainability and ethical practices. This certification recognises companies meeting high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. Moreover, Wildanet’s new Technical Training Academy and partnership with Truro and Penwith College for apprenticeships are set to nurture the next generation of telecommunications professionals.

Looking Ahead

With a vision to continue expanding its network across the South West, Wildanet is committed to reducing digital exclusion in the region. The ongoing development of gigabit-capable broadband infrastructure is crucial for connecting rural and coastal communities, ensuring that all residents have access to reliable and fast digital services.

For more details on the rollout and services, visit Wildanet’s Project Gigabit page.

This comprehensive digital upgrade, supported by substantial government investment and Wildanet’s innovative approaches, promises to deliver significant economic, educational, and social benefits, truly transforming the digital horizon of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.