Airband wins three contracts worth £26.5 million to provide full-fibre broadband to Devon and Somerset

We’re delighted to announce that we’ve won three contracts worth over £26 million pounds, to provide gigabit-capable full-fibre broadband to almost 40,000 homes and businesses in rural Devon and Somerset.

With a combined investment of over £26.5 million from local and national authorities, among others, it’s one of our biggest contracts to date, let alone as we mentioned, one of the biggest broadband connectivity projects underway in the UK today.

The plan and build for the wholesale network will commence in early 2021 and is projected to finish at the end of 2024. The properties connected will predominantly be residential, but a number of businesses will also benefit from access to retail broadband offers, most notably, our Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP), gigabit-capable, full fibre broadband service.

The benefits of reliable, high-speed digital connectivity cannot be underestimated. For individuals living in isolated, rural areas, a fast and reliable internet connection can prove a lifeline when it comes to accessing services and amenities. For businesses and communities, it provides unparalleled opportunities for growth and increased productivity.

Despite already having an office in Devon, we will be expanding our presence in the local area with a new Devon-based team.  Throughout the project, the team will be engaging with local communities and working closely with residents to navigate the process. As part of the project, this will also provide employment opportunities on both a local and national scale.

This announcement comes at the end of a year during which connectivity has been relied on more than ever. From keeping loved ones connected to enabling the British workforce to operate effectively remotely, connectivity has proven itself to be a powerful ally in uncertain times. However, the digital divide has meant that people across the country have had different experiences and opportunities of connectivity, and this is not fair. Levelling up the divide is a national priority, and one that we are committed to meet.

Our founder and Director of Airband, Redmond Peel, comments: “We are thrilled to have won these contracts. As a company, we passionately believe that rural communities should have access to the same level of high-quality connectivity, and therefore opportunities, as those in urban areas. Today’s announcement is a step towards closing the digital divide and delivering industry leading connectivity to those who need it most.”

Councillor Rufus Gilbert, CDS Board Member and Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, said: “We know the immense positive impact that access to high-quality broadband services can have on local economies, communities and lives. Connecting hard-to-reach rural areas is top of our agenda, and we are proud to be working with Airband to expand the broadband network and improve the volume and quality of opportunities available to Devon and Somerset residents.”

Want full fibre broadband too? Visit our broadband coverage checker to see if you’re in range for a better service with us.