Shropshire UK ISP SWS Broadband Begin Rural FTTP Rollout

UK ISP SWS Broadband (Secure Web Services), which since 2015 has largely focused on building Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) network across rural communities in Shropshire and bordering parts of Wales, has confirmed to ISPreview.co.uk that they’ve started to deploy a new gigabit speed Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) network.

We first reported on the provider’s ambition to upgrade their FWA network with support for gigabit-capable broadband services almost a year ago (here), but at the time very little was known about their plan. The provider, which delivers an internet connection to 2,500 poorly served premises (homes and businesses), has now revealed that they’ve started work to “convert” an initial 24 villages to FTTP

In addition, SWS has identified an initial 17 larger communities within the Shropshire area which are eligible for funding under the UK Government’s ongoing Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme and which can thus also be upgraded to the same service.

The first villages to benefit will be Stiperstones and Woolston, while “further eligible villages will be contacted over the coming weeks to explain the process.”

Chris New, Chief Strategist & Technical Officer at SWS, said:

“If you live in a remote location and can’t access fast broadband, then you are familiar with the frustrations that it brings. Digital connectivity underpins so many aspects of our lives, and it has been vital this year – from remote working to accessing public services… It is essential for rural communities to thrive.”

Where the funding is not yet available, SWS says they will soon be able to offer speeds of “up to” 90Mbps through their upgraded FWA technology. Otherwise, customers in their new FTTP areas can expect to pay from £26 per month for an unlimited 30Mbps (10Mbps upload) service with free installation on a 24-month term, which rises to £89 per month for their top 900Mbps (60Mbps upload) tier.