Jarlath Finnegan joins as Non-Executive Director

Wessex Internet, the rural broadband specialist announces the appointment of Jarlath Finnegan as a Non-Executive Director. Jarlath has over two decades of leadership expertise in telecoms & energy infrastructure and most recently held the position of Group CEO at AllPoints Fibre, where he was instrumental in the integration of multiple networks and accelerated full-fibre rollout.

In his new role as Non-Executive Director, Jarlath will advise on Wessex Internet’s infrastructure strategy and operational and rollout efficiency, drawing on a proven track record of delivering complex build programmes.

Jarlath joins Wessex Internet during a period of sustained growth - recently securing a £50 million investment from the National Wealth Fund and combined with £72 million of subsidy through four Project Gigabit contracts from Building Digital UK (BDUK), a government led programme. The capital raised will allow the business to expand its existing network to 140,000 hard-to-reach homes and businesses across Dorset, Wiltshire, Hampshire and Somerset.

With over 40,000 premises now ready for service and 14,000 customers already connected, the company continues to strengthen its position as one of the UK’s most successful independent rural broadband providers — building a sustainable, efficient network that delivers lasting impact for the communities it serves.

Hector Gibson Fleming, CEO of Wessex Internet, said:

“Jarlath’s appointment strengthens our ability to scale efficiently and deliver transformational connectivity to some of the hardest-to-reach communities in the South West. His deep knowledge of infrastructure rollout and ability to drive performance at pace will be invaluable as we expand under multiple Project Gigabit contracts. This appointment is about adding perspective and experience to an already strong leadership team.”

About Wessex Internet:

Based near Blandford in Dorset, Wessex Internet is an independent broadband provider passionate about connecting the countryside. It is building an ultrafast full-fibre network to serve even the most remote communities in Dorset, Hampshire, Wiltshire and Somerset. Wessex Internet was named Fibre Provider of the Year at the 2023 UK Fibre Awards, has twice won Best Rural Provider at the UK Fibre Awards, and was awarded Best Rural Enterprise at the 2024 Countryside Alliance Awards.