In August 2022, Wessex Internet was awarded the first Project Gigabit contract, under the government’s flagship £5 billion programme, to enable hard-to-reach communities to access gigabit-capable broadband. This contract will put more than 7,000 properties in North Dorset in the digital fast lane.
Thanks to this Project Gigabit funding, a number of properties in Hazelbury Bryan will be given access to gigabit-capable full fibre broadband direct to their home or business premises and be eligible for a free installation from Wessex Internet. In addition, Wessex Internet have commercial plans to roll out full fibre to many additional properties in the area that were not included in the contract.
The Project Gigabit contract is a three-year contract. Since Wessex Internet were awarded the contract in August 2022, they have been working on the scoping and planning of their fibre routes with the first projects now fully planned and their work on the ground has begun. Some of the first construction is in the areas of Shillingstone, Child Okeford and Okeford Fitzpaine. In case you’re not aware of who they are, Wessex Internet is a local internet service provider based here in North Dorset. They're passionate about connecting our local communities to fast and reliable broadband. They're rolling out full fibre networks across Dorset, Wiltshire, South Somerset and parts of Hampshire.
Wessex Internet have been invited to speak at the Hazelbury Bryan Parish Council meeting on 9 January 2024 to explain their approach and what this will mean for residents and businesses in our community.
In the meantime, if residents or businesses in the parish have any questions about this programme or the wider roll out, Christine O'Grady is the dedicated Community Engagement Manager for our area. You can contact Christine at christine.o’grady@wessexinternet.com