Airband scoops Best Community Project at INCA awards

A panel of industry professionals has recognised the 12,000 cobblestone project.

Airband, the inclusive broadband provider that brings superfast connections to coastal and country communities, has been recognised by the Independent Networks Co-operative Association for the ‘Best Community Project’ at the ceremony hosted as part of INCA’s 2023 conference in Birmingham.

Working in close partnership with Connecting Devon and Somerset to undertake the project required 500 trips up and down Clovelly Hill to painstakingly lift, preserve, and return the village’s 12,000 cobblestones so cabling could be installed to provide superfast broadband to 300 digitally excluded residents.

Speaking following the announcement, Redmond Peel, Airband CEO, commented: “Winning this award is a testament to everyone coming together throughout the business to reconnect the people of Clovelly. It is one of the most challenging broadband installations we’ve ever undertaken, and we’re incredibly proud to have brought superfast broadband to the homes and businesses while preserving the famous cobbled streets.”

Councillor Rufus Gilbert, Connecting Devon and Somerset Board Member and Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Economic Recovery and Skills, said: “Congratulations to everyone at Airband – this award is thoroughly well deserved. Rolling out full-fibre broadband in Clovelly and ensuring that the entire community has access to the network was a monumental and unique undertaking, but Airband was up to the task. Despite the logistical difficulties, including removing and relaying cobbles on incredibly steep gradients, they have taken full fibre connectivity to Clovelly. Connecting Devon and Somerset is extremely proud to have played a part in this build to help make the scheme possible.”

Bringing fibre broadband to historic village of Clovelly