Wessex Internet Open Wiltshire Base to build Gigabit Broadband

UK-based rural broadband ISP and alternative network manufacturer Wessex Internet, which is deploying a gigabit-speed full fiber (FTTP) service in parts of England’s Dorset, Wiltshire, Hampshire and Somerset, has opened a new base in Codford to always help them stock up. expanding rollout efforts in Wiltshire.

The civil construction yard will employ at least 15 people, including plowing and drilling crews who will build the fiber cable network, engineers who are qualified to work with overhead and underground cables, surveyors and planners. It is conveniently positioned close to the main junction of the A303 and A36, making the location accessible to workers across the region.

The new site joins existing bases near Yeovil in Somerset and Ringwood in Hampshire and the company’s headquarters near Blandford Forum in Dorset. The new staff are needed to help Wessex Internet deliver the recently secured £18.8m Project Gigabit rollout contract (state aid) for “around” 14,500 additional hard-to-reach locations in rural South Wiltshire (here).

The contract will expand the supplier’s existing network in Wylye Valley area – crossing Salisbury Plain, connecting the villages around Amesbury to the east and going as far north as Chisbury and Little Bedwyn. Construction of that network is set to begin in September 2024 and the first properties are planned to be connected by the end of 2024.

Ed Carter, Wiltshire Project Manager for Wessex Internet, said:

“Since the award of this contract in March, our teams have been hard at work planning the best way to bring ultrafast broadband to the rural and currently underserved communities of South Wiltshire. This is a five-year project, so the rollout will reach areas in different stages.

“However, we have now reached the exciting stage of being ready to start building the network in September, which means we are looking for colleagues to join our team at a new base in Codford. We are looking for people with experience in utilities, construction, telecommunications, agriculture or military. Our innovative approach to building in the countryside requires people who know how to develop understanding with local communities and landowners and who show respect and care for the landscape in which they work.

“In return, we offer excellent salaries and benefits to the right candidates, which in recent months has attracted many people to join Wessex Internet from utility companies and careers in agriculture. Unlike many jobs in the sector, we offer generous paid holidays, medical and family leave, private health and life insurance, as well as perks including tax-free schemes for buying tech gadgets and bikes.”

The company has already extended its infrastructure to over 3,000 properties in Wiltshire, in areas including East Knoyle and West Knoyle, Donhead St Andrew, Fisherton De La Mere and Corton. The UK operator’s existing network footprint is currently said to cover “tens of thousands of houses” (some of which may also include their old fixed wireless network), while their business plan aims for a “additional” 150,000 premises by 2027 through a combination of subsidized and non-subsidized capital investment.

Prices for their full fiber packages start at £29 per month for a 100Mbps tier (15Mbps upload) over a 12-month term, but this only comes with a reduced 100GB data allowance (£44 for unlimited ) and you will have to pay £49 (one time) for activation. By comparison, their top tier unlimited plan will offer 900Mbps (450Mbps upload) for £79 per month.