Bath-based broadband provider Truespeed is expanding its full fibre network to further into Somerset as it continues to target under-served towns, smaller cities and rural communities.
It said more than 600 customers across Glastonbury, Street and Shepton Mallet had already signed up – many ready to receive the ultrafast service before Christmas.
In total 15,000-plus premises across the three towns are eiligible to link to Truespeed’s 10 gigabit-capable infrastructure.
Truespeed, which was originally set up as a community interest company (CIC), has been one of the Bath area’s fast-growing businesses of recent years and in 2017 secured a £75m investment from Aviva Investors, which led to further expansion.
It says it is on a mission to bring the benefits of affordable, full fibre broadband to under-served communities across the South West.
As part of its commitment to these areas, it offers free ultrafast broadband for life to schools and community hubs passed by its network. More than 100 have been signed up.
The firm also uses flexible deployment techniques to avoid digging up roads, such as connecting fibre-optic cables to existing ducting and poles carrying telephone and power lines.
One establishment in Glastonbury to welcome Truespeed to the town is its medieval abbey.
Its head of commercial acivity Brad Lister said: “Truespeed’s investment will bring cutting-edge broadband connectivity to the area, which can’t come quick enough for our businesses and residents.
“It’s a win-win working with a regionally based and community-minded supplier like Truespeed who has significant understanding and sensitivity about rolling out full fibre networks in both rural and urban areas of Somerset.”
Truespeed CEO James Lowther, who recently replaced co-founder Evan Wienburg in the role, added: “Access to ultrafast, reliable broadband is an essential part of modern day working and family life.
“In concert with the local communities of Glastonbury, Street and Shepton Mallet, we’re working flat out to deliver exceptional broadband that will truly benefit residents and businesses alike.”
