High speed broadband provider Wildanet has announced a major expansion of its gigabit-enabled network with plans to connect up to 6,000 homes in Totnes and Dartington in Devon with the latest fibre technology.
It will be the first roll-out in Devon by the Cornwall-based Altnet (Alternative Network provider) and marks the start of an ambitious expansion by Wildanet across the south west.
According to the Office for National Statistics, 78,000 people in Devon have never used the internet. The Government is committed to upgrading the UK’s digital infrastructure, and Wildanet’s new full fibre digital network is part of a national upgrade taking place across the country.
Wildanet is already rolling out fibre broadband to communities across Cornwall with work completed in Liskeard and Dobwalls, currently under way in Torpoint, Callington and Launceston and shortly starting in Wadebridge, Bude and Pensilva.
Chief executive Helen Wylde said: “We believe every person, business and community should have the freedom to access the opportunities high speed broadband provides. That’s why we’re investing £50 million to build a new high speed digital network across the south west, and we’re delighted to be coming to Totnes and Dartington.”
Wildanet recently published independent research which found gigabit capable broadband would pump hundreds of millions of pounds into the regional economy and deliver savings of more than £220 per year to individual households at a time when home budgets are being hit by the escalating cost of living crisis.
The figures are consistent with other research from the Good Things Foundation which suggests for every £1 spent on digital inclusion, the average return is £15, including social, wellbeing and economic impact.
