Project Gigabit broadband build commenced

Wessex Internet’s network build teams have officially started work to bring full fibre broadband to communities across Dorset and South Somerset, starting construction for the company’s £33.5 million government-funded Project Gigabit contract.

With the design and planning stage of this five-year contract awarded in April now completed, construction has kicked off in Halstock, Dorset, with engineers laying the first fibre cables to bring hard-to-reach areas into the digital fast lane.

This is the start of an extensive programme of build that will reach 21,400 homes and businesses, providing lightning-fast, gigabit-capable broadband to rural communities across South and West Dorset and South Somerset that would otherwise be left behind. This new rollout will play a pivotal role in improving everyday life for residents and helping local businesses compete in the digital economy.

This £33.5 million contract is Wessex Internet’s largest government-funded Project Gigabit contract to date. In Dorset, the build will extend to rural communities surrounding Swanage, Dorchester, Sherborne, and Beaminster. Meanwhile, the South Somerset rollout will reach rural areas close to Crewkerne and Ilminster along its western boundary, with Glastonbury, Shepton Mallet and Bruton on its north-eastern edge.

Telecoms Minister Sir Chris Bryant said:

"Dorset and Somerset are the latest regions to see spades in the ground, laying fibre that will deliver the fastest internet speeds on the market - thanks to our nationwide rollout of Project Gigabit.

“The upgrades will help put an end to buffering broadband in hard-to-reach rural communities and support our mission to kickstart economic growth and break down barriers to opportunity. We are on track to keep plugging digital gaps and achieve nationwide gigabit coverage by 2030."

Hector Gibson Fleming, CEO of Wessex Internet, said:

“We’re delighted to have started the construction phase our fourth Project Gigabit contract, which will benefit thousands of residents and businesses in rural Dorset and Somerset. This follows the start of construction for our South Wiltshire contract a few weeks ago and demonstrates the commitment and hard work of our teams to rapidly progress the delivery of these vital infrastructure projects. For too long, rural communities have had to make do with outdated, unreliable internet connections, and this rollout of full fibre broadband represents a great leap in digital infrastructure that will support local residents and rural economies for years to come.”

Residents and businesses interested in finding out if Wessex Internet is coming to their area can check coverage on the Wessex Internet website or by calling 0333 240 7997.