Community at our core

Connecting Milton Abbas to full fibre broadband

Wessex Internet developed a bespoke approach tailored to the unique setting of Milton Abbas. A critical tool in this project was an electric drill, purchased specifically for the Milton Abbas build.

This drill, one of only three in the world, enabled the team to move between gardens with minimal disruption, proving to be a low-impact alternative to the larger mole ploughs and drills typically used.

"We're now lucky enough to have fibre broadband into each and every property" said Mike Gibbons, Sub-Postmaster in Milton Abbas. "The unique street picture of Milton Abbas has been unaffected and thankfully, we're now in the 21st century!"

Making connections as a community champion

Community Champion Alastair was living in a 1990’s world of connectivity with a satellite broadband service. Then he joined forces with four other community champions to bring full fibre to his village.

Of 39 properties that could take the service, they signed up 28. Everyone had a free installation via the voucher scheme. From start to finish, it took about six months.

“My advice to anyone in a similar position is that it is well worth pursuing. Talk to neighbours, friends, businesses, your parish council – it’s amazing how the momentum gathers and there is always somebody in the neighbourhood willing to help.”

Bringing a new lease of life to the village hall

Having no internet connection was limiting the number of people hiring Fontmell Magna Village Hall, but chairman Rosie found it hard for the charity to justify the high installation costs quoted by other providers. We stepped in and installed full fibre to the hall for free using government funding from the Rural Gigabit Connectivity Voucher scheme.

“We are so glad to have installed Wessex Internet full fibre to the hall. This now future proofs us to be able to serve our community. Now the hall can offer new options to people hiring the hall. For example, it is being offered as a quiet workspace hub for local residents to hire and a local instructor is using the connection to livestream Zumba classes from the hall. "

From strangers to good neighbours in a few months – thanks to a poor internet connection!

Having been neighbours for a while, and despite leading quite different lives, Adam and Sarah, both from the Dorset village of Affpuddle, came together and became Community Champions to help bring full fibre broadband to their area.

While Sarah focused on knocking on doors and spreading the word Adam researched and responded to any questions that arose. Minna, from Wessex Internet is Affpuddle’s dedicated Community Engagement Manager and was there to help every step of the way.

Now connected to full fibre broadband, Adam said: “I no longer suffer from buffering; working from home often meant that I had to go to my Dad’s in Osmington to get a decent reception.”