Cornish broadband provider Wildanet has announced a major move into South Devon.
The Liskeard-headquartered firm said that more 25,000 homes and businesses across Devon will see their internet connectivity "transformed" as the Altnet (Alternative Network Provider) moves into the county with its gigabit-capable broadband network.
Founded in 2017, to bring high speed internet to rural and hard-to-reach areas in the South West, the growing fibre broadband network will see a new 35,000 sq ft warehouse, offices and a logistics centre built in the Totnes area of South Devon. Wildanet is now working in over 15 areas across Devon in addition to its significant roll-out in Cornwall.
This full scale move will see "major investment" in new digital infrastructure right across the county and is expected to create 60 new jobs at the new site in Bideford, which will act as a hub for Wildanet's expanded operations in Devon and North Cornwall.
Read more: University of Bristol spin-out secures £415,000 for disease detection tech
Helen Wylde, chief executive of Wildanet , said: “This is an exciting announcement for us and a significant moment in the growth of the business and our ambitions to level up connectivity across the South West.
“Wildanet has a clear mission to bring fast, reliable internet to homes and businesses in communities throughout Devon and Cornwall, with a vision of tackling digital inequality, removing the digital divide where it exists and working tirelessly to deliver digital connectivity to all.
“Our work in the region is showing what can be achieved through commitment, innovation, our own investment and strategic partnerships with government. We’re looking to bring the same energy and can-do approach to Devon as we have delivered in Cornwall and look forward to working with communities, businesses, national and local government to extend the transformational benefits of gigabit-capable broadband to rural and hard-to-reach areas of the county."
Wildanet’s new full fibre network is part of a national upgrade of digital infrastructure taking place across the country. Much of this being driven by Alnets, like Wildanet, bringing their local knowledge, expertise and commitment to supporting communities bypassed in previous roll-outs by major telecoms operators.
In addition, Wildanet was earlier this year awarded £36m of contracts under the government’s 'project gigabit' to deliver full fibre, gigabit-capable broadband for up to an additional 19,250 premises in hard-to-reach areas in Cornwall.
Read next:
Tech South West launches inaugural event for leaders in the region
South West secures share of £30m government fund to improve roads
Like this story? Why not sign up to get the latest South West business news straight to your inbox.
