Wessex Internet Bring Superfast Broadband to Rural Hilton in Dorset

Rural ISP Wessex Internet (M12 Solutions) has announced that their alternative hybrid superfast wireless broadband (50Mbps) and fibre optic network has been expanded to cater for residents of a small rural village in Dorset (England) called Hilton.

Previously locals were only able to get broadband speeds of up to 2Mbps, although the new network offers 50Mbps and it can go faster. The ISP got involved after receiving some initial registrations of interest and soon after that they began discussing plans to install their wireless kit on a Grade 1 listed tower of the local All Saints’ Church.

In October, after receiving the relevant permissions, the ISP’s engineers finally installed the broadcasting equipment on the tower (around 90% of the domestic properties in the village can be seen from the top). Wessex Internet now estimate All Saints’ to be the church with the fastest speeds in Dorset, with tests delivering a top speed of 83Mbps.

Helier Exon, Vicar of All Saints Church, said:

“I am absolutely delighted with the service I am receiving from Wessex Internet. The broadband speed is stable and members of the family can all be on the web at the same time without encountering the dreaded rotating circle or hourglass. Both my wife and I are absolutely delighted with the service we are receiving.”

The village is home to around 500 people and it’s worth pointing out that at least part of the area is listed for coverage as part of the local Superfast Dorset scheme. However it should be noted that Dorset Country Council has recognised Wessex Internet as an NGA provider and so we’re not sure if the predicted coverage reflects BTOpenreach’s future “fibre” network or Wessex Internet’s new wireless one.

In any case Hilton resides a fair distance from its “local” street cabinet and thus even if BTOpenreach did upgrade the area then residents aren’t likely to get the best speeds advertised.