Project Gigabit New Forest

Gigabit-capable connectivity for around 10,500 properties

The government has awarded an almost £14 million Project Gigabit contract to Wessex Internet to deliver full fibre broadband to around 10,500 homes and businesses in the New Forest.

Project Gigabit is the UK government’s flagship £5 billion programme to enable hard-to-reach communities, like the New Forest, to access lightning-fast gigabit-capable broadband.

Our network roll-out plans

Over the next three years, we will be building our network to a number of towns, villages and hamlets across the New Forest. This map highlights the areas where coverage will be available to eligible properties.

Simply enter your details into our coverage checker to check if your property is included.

Frequently asked questions

  • What areas are you connecting?

    Please view our map for more details of the areas we will be connecting or enter your address into our coverage checker.

  • Will my house be connected?

    You can check if your property is included on our coverage checker.

  • When will you be connecting my area?

    Our network build will commence in 2023 and this will carry on through to 2026. Register your interest and we will keep you up to date with plans for your area.

  • When can I order broadband?

    You can see if your property is included by using our coverage checker. You will be able to order from us or any participating wholesale provider once network build in your area commences.

  • Are you connecting all houses in these locations?

    The Project Gigabit contract is to connect properties in these areas that do not already have a gigabit-capable connection or are not included in operators' roll-out plans for gigabit-capable broadband.

    Use our coverage checker to see if your property is eligible under this programme or if Wessex Internet is able to connect you through other projects in the area.

  • Why isn’t my area included?

    These are the areas we have been contracted to deliver by the UK government under the Project Gigabit contract.

  • Will you close roads in my village?

    We build our network across fields and farmland, rather than roads, where possible to keep disruption to a minimum. We will work closely with residents, businesses and parish councils to ensure you are kept well informed about any upcoming work in your area.

  • What Internet Service Providers (ISPs) can I sign up with?

    The network is an open access wholesale network, which means that any Internet Service Provider (ISP) can offer their services over the network if they wish to. All properties connected will be able to take a Wessex Internet service. As other Internet Service Providers participate in our wholesale programme, we will list their details here.

  • How can I get involved?

    We work closely within the local community before during and after each stage of the work. We often work with local Community Champions who help to spread the word of our plans and ensure we address any community concerns. We’re always on the look out for people who want to get involved – so please do get in touch with us at community@wessexinternet.com

  • What happens next?

    We will make contact with landowners, residents and businesses in your area with details of our plans a few months in advance. You can register your interest here, and we advise you to check this website as we will be updating it regularly.

  • Will you be using existing phone cables, masts and local exchanges?

    We are building a new full fibre network that is independent of any existing fibre, local exchanges or cabinets. We do sometimes use existing infrastructure such as poles or ducting where appropriate to build our network.

  • Will you be connecting businesses too?

    Yes, business premises are included in the programme as well as residential premises. Use our coverage checker to see if your business or home is included.

How we install our full fibre network in rural areas

We have a unique cost-effective approach to building networks in rural areas, working in partnership with local landowners. By crossing fields and farmland, rather than digging up roads, we can roll out quickly and minimise disruption to local residents.

Find out more