Rural communities in Wiltshire are set to benefit from full-fibre broadband through the UK Government’s Project Gigabit scheme, with Openreach now delivering the upgrades to some of the region’s most isolated properties.
The improvements will bring gigabit-capable speeds to hundreds of homes and businesses, supporting everything from high-speed streaming to smart farming technologies and e-commerce.
Sir Chris Bryant, telecoms minister, said: “I’m thrilled to see spades in the ground to bring fast, reliable broadband to communities in Wiltshire that have long struggled with poor connectivity – powered by our investment through Project Gigabit.
“This isn’t just about faster internet.
“Whether it’s families streaming without interruption, farmers adopting smart technologies, or small businesses reaching new markets, we’re laying the foundations that drive economic growth and unlock opportunity across the country as part of this government’s Plan for Change.”
The work will cover properties in and around Calne, Stockley, Compton Bassett, Lacock, Chippenham, Lyneham, Wroughton, Wootton Bassett, Swindon, Tockenham, Broad Town, Uffcott, Broad Hinton, Berwick Bassett, Winterbourne Bassett, Highworth, and Sevenhampton.
The upgrades are part of a wider national programme to bring high-speed broadband to locations unlikely to be included in commercial rollout plans.
Openreach has access to up to £800 million in government funding to deliver upgrades to around 312,000 premises across the UK.
Martin Williams, Openreach’s partnership director for the South West, said: “We’re bringing faster, more reliable broadband to some of the most rural properties in the region and letting local people know what to expect.
“This is a major infrastructure upgrade in partnership with UK Government, so there will be more engineering teams, equipment and vans around, and we’re working hard to keep disruption to a minimum.
“Wherever possible, we’ll use our existing network of ducts and poles to avoid roadworks, new street furniture and disturbance.
“But there may be places where we need to install new poles, underground ducts and fibre cables because it’s the only way to make sure households get included in the upgrade.”
Openreach’s full fibre network already reaches more than 200,000 properties in Wiltshire.
The company is investing £15 billion to reach 25 million homes and businesses nationwide by 2026.
It aims to extend coverage even further, potentially reaching 30 million premises by the end of the decade if investment conditions remain favourable.