The New Forest’s fibre future begins

Photo Caption: Josh Goodchild, (centre) Wessex Internet’s Community Engagement Manager for Hampshire with Network Construction team members (L-R) Boyd Cheeseman, Dave Burford, Brad Thomas and Shane Myers. Wessex Internet has started network construction in Martin and Whitsbury, heralding the start of its government funded contract to roll out full fibre broadband to communities and businesses across the New Forest.

Wessex Internet’s network construction teams are now installing the first fibre cables across to Martin, which will act as one of the springboards into the New Forest.

Work has also started in Whitsbury, a village near Fordingbridge. Whitsbury, along with Martin, Damerham and Rockbourne will be some of the first communities to be connected to Wessex Internet’s full fibre broadband network in the New Forest, in 2024.

Wessex Internet was awarded a £14 million government contract in April, to connect 10,500 homes and businesses across the national park to gigabit-capable full fibre broadband over the next three years. Having the fastest broadband means households no longer have to battle over bandwidth, and people can enjoy the freedom to live and work more flexibly, businesses increase their productivity, and vital public services thrive.

Dorset-based Wessex Internet specialises in taking full fibre broadband to rural communities where most internet service providers don’t even consider. The company has been connecting hard to reach rural communities since 2012.

Minister for Data and Digital Infrastructure, Sir John Whittingdale, said:

“Starting work to bring gigabit broadband to rural communities across the New Forest marks a significant step forward in enhancing much needed connectivity. The government's £5bn Project Gigabit investment is revolutionising connectivity in hard-to-reach areas across the UK, providing vital services to rural households and boosting businesses with fast and dependable broadband. “We are ensuring these communities are fit for the digital age, and I look forward to seeing how an improved digital infrastructure will transform not only the lives of residents and those working in the New Forest, but the many tourists who flock to the region each year as well."

Hector Gibson Fleming, Wessex Internet CEO, said:

“It’s very exciting to see that construction has started and we are laying some of the first fibre cables that will bring our ultrafast broadband to residents of the New Forest.

“Over the coming months we will continue our close collaboration with the community as we bring the benefits of world-class connectivity to residents and businesses across the New Forest.”