Cornwall-based broadband provider Wildanet has teamed up with Nokia to expedite the installation of gigabit-enabled full fibre network across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. This strategic collaboration, bolstered by international network infrastructure firm Xantaro, aims at enhancing digital connectivity in these often underserved regions.
Wildanet tasked Nokia with overseeing the entire project, from initial setup to final testing. Xantaro will handle procuring, building, and installing all required communications cabinets. “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,” said Justin Clark, Wildanet’s Chief Strategy & Technology Officer.
Phil Siveter, Nokia CEO for UK and Ireland, emphasized their commitment to leveraging global expertise for rural areas. “By combining our methodologies with Wildanet’s local knowledge, we aim to enhance the digital landscape in the South West,” Siveter stated.
The partnership follows a recent £35 million investment from the UK Infrastructure Bank (UKIB), intended to extend Wildanet’s fibre-to-the-premise (FTTP) network to 20,000 additional premises. This funding adds to the £41 million awarded by Project Gigabit earlier this year, underscoring Wildanet’s aggressive expansion strategy.
UKIB’s Head of Banking and Investment, Ian Brown, highlighted the geographical challenges of Cornwall, which hinder high-speed internet deployment. “Our financing for Wildanet’s rollout will support communities and grow economies that would otherwise miss out on the benefits associated with improved connectivity,” Brown explained.
