Cornwall-based broadband provider Wildanet has today announced a groundbreaking new partnership agreement with global telecoms giant Nokia, which will accelerate the roll-out of its new gigabit-enabled Full Fibre network for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

The new deal brings together Wildanet’s experience locally in transforming connectivity for rural and hard-to-reach areas in the South West, with Nokia’s international expertise and resources in major network deployment.

Under the agreement, Wildanet will commission Nokia to project manage the delivery of the next phase of its Full Fibre network, from initial planning and design, right through to build, commissioning, testing and hand-over.

The move will streamline the whole process, with Nokia’s technology and project management experience providing a turnkey solution for Wildanet.

Commenting on the deal, Justin Clark, Wildanet’s Chief Strategy & Technology Officer, said: “We have always looked to be innovative and ambitious in our mission to deliver digital inclusion in the South West. This agreement with Nokia, supported by Xantaro, represents a major step forward for Wildanet and Cornwall in attracting a global partner to work with us to deploy a world class broadband network for the county.

“It is a significant strategic alliance for Wildanet, building on our achievements to date and allowing us to accelerate the roll-out of our network and the benefits this will bring for thousands of homes and businesses in the region.”

As a global technology leader, Nokia has a proven, tried and tested methodology in delivering Full Fibre networks and has many years’ experience of rolling out Full Fibre networks for AltNets across mainland Europe.

Phil Siveter, Nokia CEO, UK and Ireland, said: “This partnership underscores our commitment to leveraging our global expertise, rich history of technological innovation and state-of-the-art Full Fibre networks, to enhance connectivity in rural and hard-to-reach areas of the UK. By combining our proven methodologies and extensive experience in network deployment with Wildanet's local insights, we are set to transform the digital landscape in the South West, making a significant impact on the lives of thousands of British residents and businesses.”

As part of the arrangement, international network infrastructure specialists Xantaro will source, build and install all necessary communications cabinets, further increasing the speed and efficiency of the build. Xantaro will also be providing professional services to Wildanet, to ensure a professional configured network with minimal disruption.

Stephen Kingdom, Chief Technology Officer of Fixed Networks at Xantaro, said: “Xantaro is delighted to have been selected by Wildanet to construct one of the UK's most resilient, high-capacity, and future-proof networks. Drawing on our extensive experience with AltNets across the UK and our longstanding partnership with Nokia, we are pleased to be delivering cutting-edge cabinet technology and professional services to Wildanet. Together, we will accelerate the deployment of fibre and essential connectivity to underserved communities.”

Wildanet, founded in 2017 to bring high-speed internet to rural and hard-to-reach areas in the South West, is rapidly growing its Full Fibre broadband network in the region, transforming connectivity for communities where it operates.

Backed by specialist alternative asset manager Gresham House’s sustainable infrastructure strategy, with close to £100m invested since 2020, Wildanet has grown to become the largest AltNet (Alternative Network Provider) in Cornwall and a champion for digital inclusion locally and nationally. It is now a major regional employer, more than doubling its workforce in the last 18 months to over 220 staff as well as driving significant indirect economic activity and employment.

In 2023, Wildanet was awarded two contracts, totalling £36 million, by the UK government to connect up to 19,250 homes and businesses in South West and Mid Cornwall. This was followed in April 2024 by a further investment by the government, which saw Wildanet awarded a £41 million contract to roll out new connections to a further 16,800 homes and businesses in East Cornwall, West Cornwall and the island of St Mary’s in the Isles of Scilly.

In 2024, Wildanet was named the UK’s ‘Best Rural Fibre Provider’ at the UK Fibre Awards.

In 2023, Wildanet launched a new centre of excellence in Cornwall – the Wildanet Technical Training Academy – providing industry-leading training for the next generation of telecommunication engineers and supporting the roll-out of high-speed broadband to thousands of people living and working in the region. The initiative, together with a ground-breaking new apprenticeship programme with Truro and Penwith College is a key commitment to the delivery of Wildanet’s Full Fibre broadband network across Cornwall and Devon.

And in January 2024, Wildanet became the first UK AltNet (Alternative Network Provider) to become a Certified B Corporation, recognising its commitment to operating as a force for good, prioritising sustainability, ethical practices and social responsibility as part of its successful ‘profit with purpose’ approach to business.