Greener Broadband Expansion in Cornwall: Wildanet and Dynamic Fibre Pioneering Sustainable Street Works

Wildanet, Cornwall’s leading AltNet provider, has joined forces with Dynamic Fibre to introduce a carbon-saving street works process aimed at minimising the environmental impact of fibre-optic installations across Cornwall. This partnership has been hailed as a significant step towards achieving a more sustainable approach to network expansion in the region.

Innovative Fibre-Optic Installation with Reduced Carbon Impact

Wildanet’s ongoing Full Fibre broadband rollout, crucial for improving connectivity in Cornwall’s rural areas, is now benefiting from an advanced trenching process approved by Cornwall Council highways. The technique, known as Structural Material for Reinstatement (SMR), enables excavated materials to be recycled back into the trenches. This method, developed and implemented by Dynamic Fibre, combines recycled material with a special binder, significantly reducing waste, aggregate usage, and carbon emissions.

The environmental advantages of this sustainable approach are substantial, with each kilometre of trenching using SMR saving an estimated:

• 153 tonnes of material from going to landfill
• 153 tonnes of quarried aggregate
• 32 tonnes of asphalt
• 20 fewer HGV lorry movements

As Julie-anne Sunderland from Wildanet notes, the company’s goal is to “transform internet connectivity for rural and hard-to-reach communities in Cornwall,” while keeping sustainability at its core. Wildanet’s commitment to ethical practices and sustainability was further recognised earlier this year when it became the first UK-based AltNet to be awarded the prestigious B Corporation certification.

New Recycling Hub to Support Sustainable Street Works

Dynamic Fibre’s commitment to sustainable practices has led to the establishment of a new recycling hub in Cornwall. This facility will allow the reuse of SMR materials in various projects, supporting other contractors and utilities undertaking street works in the county. John McGrath, Dynamic Fibre’s UK Operations Director, highlights the positive environmental impact: “For example, over the initial 22km of installations we have carried out for Wildanet, that’s the equivalent of 440 lorry movements saved.”

Wildanet’s Expansion in Cornwall: Project Gigabit and Beyond

Founded in 2017, Wildanet has been at the forefront of delivering high-speed internet to remote areas in the South West. With financial backing from Gresham House and a commitment to using local businesses, the company has rapidly expanded its Full Fibre network. Since securing three government contracts under Project Gigabit, Wildanet is on track to connect over 37,000 homes and businesses across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, an effort that promises to bring faster connectivity to some of the region’s most underserved areas.

In recognition of its impact, Wildanet was named the ‘Best Rural Fibre Provider’ at the UK Fibre Awards and ‘Broadband Provider of the Year’ at the Connected Britain Awards. Wildanet has also taken steps to ensure the availability of skilled telecom engineers in the area with the launch of its Technical Training Academy and an apprenticeship programme with Truro and Penwith College, preparing a new generation for high-speed broadband infrastructure.

For more information, visit Wildanet’s website.