Wessex Internet Open Wiltshire Base for Gigabit Broadband Build

Rural-focused broadband ISP and alternative UK network builder Wessex Internet, which is deploying a gigabit speed full fibre (FTTP) service across parts of Dorset, Wiltshire, Hampshire and Somerset in England, has opened a new base in Codford to help supply their ever expanding rollout efforts in Wiltshire.

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

The new yard joins existing bases near to Yeovil in Somerset and Ringwood in Hampshire, and the company’s HQ near Blandford Forum in Dorset. The new staff are needed to help Wessex Internet deliver on their recently secured £18.8m (state aid) Project Gigabit roll-out contract for “around” 14,500 additional hard-to-reach premises across rural parts of South Wiltshire (here).

The contract will expand the provider’s existing network in the Wylye Valley area – going across the Salisbury Plain, connecting villages surrounding Amesbury to the east and going as far north as Chisbury and Little Bedwyn. Construction of that network is due to start 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 being awarded this contract in March, our teams have been working hard to plan the best way to bring ultrafast broadband to rural and presently underserved communities across South Wiltshire. This is a five-year project, so the roll-out will reach areas at different stages.

“However, we’ve now reached the exciting stage of being ready to start the network build in September, meaning we’re looking for colleagues to join our team at a new base in Codford. We are looking for people with a background in utilities, construction, telecoms, agriculture, or the 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 pay and benefits for the right candidates, which over recent months has attracted many people to join Wessex Internet from utility companies and careers in agriculture. Unlike many jobs in the sector, we provide generous paid holiday, sick leave and family leave, private medical insurance and life assurance, and perks including tax-free schemes to buy tech gadgets and bicycles.”

The company has already rolled out its infrastructure to more than 3,000 properties in Wiltshire in areas such as East Knoyle and West Knoyle, Donhead St Andrew, Fisherton De La Mere and Corton. The operator’s existing UK network footprint is currently said to cover “tens of thousands of homes” (some of this may include their old fixed wireless network too), while their business plan targets an “additional” 150,000 premises by 2027 through a combination of subsidised and unsubsidised capital investment.

Prices for their full fibre packages start at £29 per month for a 100Mbps (15Mbps upload) tier on a 12-month term, but this only comes with a meagre 100GB data allowance (£44 for unlimited), and you’ll have to pay £49 (one-off) for activation. By comparison, their top unlimited usage plan will give 900Mbps (450Mbps upload) for £79 per month.