In a significant milestone for Cambridgeshire’s digital landscape, Rich Soper, a Stilton resident, has become the first individual in the county to be connected to Gigaclear’s full fibre broadband network. This achievement marks the beginning of Gigaclear’s substantial £39 million investment in the region, aiming to provide high-speed broadband to 1,390 homeowners in Stilton.
Mr. Soper, a sales manager in the manufacturing industry, enthusiastically declared, “Life’s just got a lot easier!” He shared his experience, explaining how his work often involves receiving and sending large audio files and digital CAD drawings, a task that used to take up to half an hour due to slow internet speeds. Mr. Soper noted that before switching to Gigaclear, he was a customer of one of the major broadband providers, with a maximum speed of 23Mbps, which didn’t meet his professional needs.
Highlighting the importance of a stable and high-speed connection, Mr. Soper made the switch to Gigaclear, and the results have been transformative. He now enjoys a lightning-fast broadband speed of 500Mbps, significantly enhancing his ability to work from home. Beyond work, the improved connectivity enables seamless 4k video streaming, a luxury he couldn’t enjoy before. Mr. Soper also noted that this upgrade has not only made his life easier but is also more cost-effective compared to his previous broadband service.
Gigaclear, recognized as the UK’s largest rural alternative network provider for full fibre broadband, is currently expanding its network into Cambridgeshire, starting from Polebrook in Northants. Following the successful connection in Stilton, Gigaclear is extending its reach towards Sawtry and Alconbury.
Welcoming this achievement, Dr. Nik Johnson, Mayor of Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, expressed delight in Gigaclear’s progress in the region. He highlighted the positive impact of Gigaclear’s fibre rollout, emphasizing that it aligns with the Digital Connectivity Strategy, aiming to ensure fast and reliable broadband and mobile connectivity for all residents and businesses in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
Dr. Johnson noted that the initiative supports economic growth, facilitates thriving businesses and communities, and enhances accessibility to public services, ultimately contributing to the region’s future-facing digital infrastructure. Gigaclear’s achievement reflects the shared vision of a digitally connected and prosperous Cambridgeshire.
