Ground-breaking deal will speed up roll out of full fibre across Cornwall
Cornwall-based broadband provider Wildanet has announced a ground-breaking new partnership agreement with global telecoms giant Nokia.
The deal will accelerate the roll-out of its new gigabit-enabled full fibre network for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
The new deal brings together Wildanet’s experience locally in transforming connectivity for rural and hard-to-reach areas in the South West, with Nokia’s international expertise and resources in major network deployment.
Under the agreement, Wildanet will commission Nokia to project manage the delivery of the next phase of its full fibre network, from initial planning and design, right through to build, commissioning, testing and hand-over.
The move will streamline the whole process, with Nokia’s technology and project management experience providing a turnkey solution for Wildanet.
Justin Clark, Wildanet’s chief strategy and technology officer, said: “We have always looked to be innovative and ambitious in our mission to deliver digital inclusion in the South West.
“This agreement with Nokia, supported by Xantaro, represents a major step forward for Wildanet and Cornwall in attracting a global partner to work with us to deploy a world class broadband network for the county.
“It is a significant strategic alliance for Wildanet, building on our achievements to date and allowing us to accelerate the roll-out of our network and the benefits this will bring for thousands of homes and businesses in the region.”
As a global technology leader, Nokia has a proven, tried and tested methodology in delivering full fibre networks and has many years’ experience of rolling out Full Fibre networks for AltNets across mainland Europe.
Phil Siveter, Nokia chief executive UK and Ireland, said: “This partnership underscores our commitment to leveraging our global expertise, rich history of technological innovation and state-of-the-art Full Fibre networks, to enhance connectivity in rural and hard-to-reach areas of the UK.
“By combining our proven methodologies and extensive experience in network deployment with Wildanet’s local insights, we are set to transform the digital landscape in the South West, making a significant impact on the lives of thousands of British residents and businesses.”
As part of the arrangement, international network infrastructure specialists Xantaro will source, build and install all necessary communications cabinets, further increasing the speed and efficiency of the build. Xantaro will also be providing professional services to Wildanet, to ensure a professional configured network with minimal disruption.
Stephen Kingdom, chief technology officer of Fixed Networks at Xantaro, said: “Xantaro is delighted to have been selected by Wildanet to construct one of the UK’s most resilient, high-capacity, and future-proof networks.
“Drawing on our extensive experience with AltNets across the UK and our longstanding partnership with Nokia, we are pleased to be delivering cutting-edge cabinet technology and professional services to Wildanet. Together, we will accelerate the deployment of fibre and essential connectivity to underserved communities.”
Wildanet, founded in 2017 to bring high-speed internet to rural and hard-to-reach areas in the South West, is rapidly growing its Full Fibre broadband network in the region, transforming connectivity for communities where it operates.
Backed by specialist alternative asset manager Gresham House’s sustainable infrastructure strategy, with close to £100m invested since 2020, Wildanet has grown to become the largest AltNet (Alternative Network Provider) in Cornwall and a champion for digital inclusion locally and nationally. It is now a major regional employer, more than doubling its workforce in the last 18 months to over 220 staff as well as driving significant indirect economic activity and employment.
