Internet service provider Truespeed has expanded its South West full fibe broadband network following an £8m investment.
The Bath-based provider said the rollout would benefit businesses and residents in more than 9,500 properties across the north east part of Somerset.
The company said as well as adding connectivity for Peasedown St John and Midsomer Norton, it was “dramatically” expanding its existing infrastructure in Radstock, Keynsham and Saltford.
Truespeed said building and planning works were “already well underway” across all five areas. It added that customers in Peasedown St John, Saltford and Keynsham could expect to be connected in mid-summer, followed closely by Radstock and Midsomer Norton going live by late summer.
Chief executive James Lowther, who was appointed in December last year, said: “We’re pleased to be expanding our existing network in Radstock, Keynsham and Saltford so more people can benefit from Truespeed’s ultra-reliable, full fibre connectivity. Expanding into new areas including Peasedown St John and Midsomer Norton will provide homes and businesses with greater access to ultrafast broadband that is essential in everyday life.”
One of the organisation's set to benefit from the rollout is regional community radio station Somer Valley FM. Station manager Richard Burgess said it was “fantastic” another local organisation was investing in the region.
Mr Burgess said: “Several of our shows and content are provided remotely and our existing broadband network struggles to cope, so Truespeed bringing much-needed connectivity to our homes and businesses here in the Somer Valley is crucial.”
Truespeed has extended its reach across more than 200 communities in rural and urban areas across the South West, stretching to the outskirts of Portishead and down to Froome.
The company secured a £100m investment from Aviva Investors at the start of the year to support its network build across the region.
The funding was the second tranche Truespeed received from the asset management arm of the insurance giant, which invested £75m into the supplier in 2017.
Truespeed is the headline sponsor of the BathLive Business Awards, which will be held in September after a three-year break to recognise the achievements and resilience of the local business community during the pandemic. To find out how to enter and attend the awards, visit the event's official website.
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