Isle of Wight project connects 99 per cent to superfast broadband
The Isle of the Wight's rural broadband project has now been completed, with superfast broadband available to 99 per cent of households and businesses on the island, making it one of the best-connected areas in the UK.
The project, which was completed in partnership with the Isle of Wight Council, BT and the government's Broadband Delivery UK, has now reached over 20,000 Isle of Wight premises. When paired with the 51,000 premises already reached by the private sector's rollout of fibre broadband, the island now has 99 per cent fibre coverage.
Since the beginning of the project, demand for fibre has been growing. More superfast broadband cabinets have been installed, with around 109 rural fibre broadband cabinets now live across the island. The new fibre network will also be open to all broadband internet service providers too.
The project is jointly funded by the Isle of Wight Council, which has invested £2.4 million to match the contribution by the Broadband Delivery UK programme, and BT, which has contributed funding of £2.7 million.
Businesses are already benefiting from the new superfast internet speeds, as is the case with Seaview Hotel. In an interview with newspaper Island Echo, Tracy Mikich, the manager of Seaview Hotel, said: “Since investing in high-speed broadband our hotel business has become more attractive, and we’ve also seen cost savings. Our hotel enjoys speed more than 70Mbps, and we are also able to offer free Wi-Fi to our guests and customers.”
Councillor Shirley Smart, Isle of Wight Council Executive member, responsible for the rural broadband project was also pleased with the outcome, stated: “I am more than delighted that we have reached the target of 20,000 homes and businesses in mainly rural areas now having access. We are also greatly encouraged that over the past 20 months, as the cabinets have been installed and gone live across the Island, more and more rural homes and businesses have been taking advantage of their new access.
“This is significant progress for those in the countryside, and combined with the commercial rollout; it ensures the Island is one of the best places in the UK for high-speed broadband coverage. Looking to the future, it means the Island is extremely well-placed regarding connectivity for its residents, visitors and businesses”.
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(Image: Bidgee)
