The UK Infrastructure Bank has just announced a £35 million investment into Cornwall-based internet provider Wildanet. This injection of funds will support Wildanet’s efforts to bring superfast full fibre broadband to “hard to reach” locations in Cornwall.
Wildanet is set to upgrade and expand its full fibre footprint to some of the hardest-to-reach homes and businesses in Cornwall. With the new funding, the aim to reach an additional 20,000 rural homes & businesses in cornwall.
This is great news for cornish residents and it sees Wildanet go from strength to strength. In April 2024, Wildanet also secured a £41 million contract to deliver new connections to over 16,800 homes and businesses across East Cornwall, West Cornwall, and the Isles of Scilly, through the Project Gigabit scheme. This wasn;t their first Project Gigbit win either, in 2023 Wildanet was awarded two contracts worth £36 million to connect up to 19,250 premises in South West and Mid Cornwall.
John Flint, CEO of the UK Infrastructure Bank, said: “Cornwall’s challenging geography has left it with lower internet speeds than the UK average. Our financing for Wildanet’s rollout will support communities and grow economies that would otherwise miss out on the benefits of improved connectivity.”
Helen Wylde-Archibald, CEO of Wildanet, added: “Today’s announcement accelerates our rollout plans for Cornwall, unlocking growth within our company as we transform connectivity and opportunities in the region. We’re proud of our role in promoting digital inclusion and creating a modern digital economy in the South West.”
Stevie Ingamells, Associate Director at Gresham House, noted: “We’re delighted to extend our partnership with Wildanet to include UKIB and Santander, helping fund Wildanet’s prestigious Project Gigabit contract. Wildanet’s focus on underserved areas is driving significant social impact by vastly improving digital connectivity in the South West.”
In January, Wildanet became the first UK AltNet to achieve B Corporation certification, highlighting its commitment to sustainability, ethical practices, and social responsibility. As Cornwall’s largest AltNet, employing 94% of its staff from Devon and Cornwall, Wildanet plans to continue expanding across the South West, serving rural and coastal communities with gigabit-capable broadband and reducing digital exclusion in the region.
