Connecting Communities - Wildanet's Expansion into Devon

The company announced earlier this year that more than 25,000 homes and businesses across Devon would see their internet connectivity transformed as Wildanet extends the roll out of its digital infrastructure from its already established presence in Cornwall.

Totnes resident John Gallagher officially became the first Devon resident to benefit from Wildanet’s cutting-edge broadband services when his home was connected to the gigabit-capable full-fibre network.

Wildanet - founded in 2017 to bring high speed internet to rural and hard-to-reach areas in the South West - is rapidly growing its fibre broadband network in the region, guided by a strong ethos and mission to drive digital inclusion. Earlier this year it began working in the Totnes area installing a new fibre network for the town and is now working in over 15 areas across Devon in addition to its significant roll-out in Cornwall.

This full scale move into Devon is seeing major investment in new digital infrastructure right across the county, initially connecting communities spanning from South Molton and Holsworthy in the North and West, to Yealmpton and Axminster in the South and East.

As part of the move Wildanet expects to create 60 new jobs and earlier this year, opened a 35,000 sq ft warehouse, comprising offices and logistics centre in Bideford which will act as a hub for its expanded operations in Devon as well as North Cornwall.

Wildanet CEO Helen Wylde said: "We originally set up in Cornwall and over the period of time that we’ve been working in Cornwall, we’ve extended and grown, which means we can now go over the border into Devon as well.

“In effect what we’re aiming to do is take the 150 miles between Land’s End and Axminster and provide high-quality gigabit-capable coverage to communities across the two counties over the period of the next two to three years.”

Trailblazing Devon customer John Gallagher, like many others, recognises the value of reliable internet access in today’s digital landscape.

He said: “If you have something, you want it to work the best it can. If you’ve got internet, you might as well have the best internet you can get or the best internet you can afford.”

For John, this newfound connectivity has meant enhanced efficiency in his every-day-life, seamless online research, and effortless communication with his global network. Expressing his satisfaction, he said: “It is essential as I do a lot of banking online, a lot of research online. You don’t want to be twiddling your thumbs; that’s frustrating. You want it to work, and to me, technology has become part of life.”

The speed and reliability of Wildanet’s services are not just luxuries but necessities, enabling individuals to stay connected, pursue education, and conduct business with ease.

John, who had been hosting students for more than a decade, emphasised the vital role the internet played in maintaining these connections: “We’ve been having students for about 12 years, and I still keep in contact with the first student we had. The internet is the way to keep in touch with them. It’s easier than traveling to Brazil!”

“Honestly, I’m very happy with Wildanet. Real people, efficiency, I would say go with Wildanet.”

Areas set to benefit in Devon include the following (in addition to business connectivity solutions being offered across the region including in Exeter and Plymouth):

• Ashburton
• Axminster
• Chagford
• Holsworthy
• Ipplepen
• South Brent
• South Molton
• Totnes
• Yealmpton
• Yelverton

To find out more about switching to Wildanet, call our friendly local team on 0800 0699906 or enter your postcode on our website here.