Wildanet presents vision for Devon’s broadband revolution in meeting with North Devon MP

Mr Roome visited Wildanet’s warehouse and offices in Bideford before touring some of the ongoing work on gigabit-capable fibre infrastructure in South Molton - part of the company's broader effort to address Devon’s pressing connectivity issues.

Access to fast, reliable broadband is critical for Devon’s communities, many of which have been left behind in successive broadband rollouts. Currently only 66.7% of premises have access to gigabit capable broadband, against a national figure of 84.7%. This connectivity gap undermines the county’s aspirations for a more digitally inclusive and tech-driven economy.

Independent research commissioned by Wildanet in 2023 highlighted the potential socio-economic benefits of enhanced broadband coverage in Devon. The Connecting Devon Report suggests that rolling out a gigabit-capable network could generate over £1bn in new business Gross Value Added (GVA) by 2030, helping to drive economic growth and innovation.

In Cornwall, where the company was founded, Wildanet has been instrumental in boosting rural connectivity through significant investment in its own network and partnerships with the Government via Project Gigabit.

Wildanet has extended its operations into Devon, but the scale of the challenge - combined with the remoteness of many areas - demands a collaborative approach to achieve the same success seen in Cornwall.

Ian Roome, who was elected MP for North Devon in the July 2024 General Election, brings a wealth of experience in telecommunications from his service in the Royal Air Force. His background provides a valuable perspective on the need for enhanced connectivity in rural areas.

Mr Roome said: “The work Wildanet is doing is vital. Making sure that our rural communities have fast and reliable access to broadband is not just a matter of convenience, it is essential to tackling the digital divide and fostering inclusion. I am excited to work closely with them to bring Devon’s digital infrastructure up to speed and ensure that no community is left behind.”

Commenting on the visit, Helen Wylde-Archibald, Chief Executive of Wildanet, said:

“It was a pleasure to meet Ian Roome and share our vision for the work that’s required to close the digital divide in Devon. We were able to showcase the work already under way and discuss how we, as an Alternative Network Provider (Altnet), have successfully collaborated with communities, local and national government, to overcome connectivity challenges in Cornwall.

“We look forward to building a similar partnership in Devon to fast-track solutions for the county’s poor broadband coverage.”

The company’s commitment to rural connectivity was recognised in 2024, when it was named Broadband Provider of the Year at the Connected Britain Awards 2024 and the UK’s Best Rural Fibre Provider at the UK Fibre Awards 2024.