Programme Update: Wessex Internet contract – July 19th, 2021

Summary

• 3,618 homes and businesses in South Somerset earmarked for full fibre connections.
• Construction of the new full fibre network for North and South Barrow, Babcary, Woolston, Queen Camel and Marston Magna begins later this summer with the first properties due for connection early this winter, 2021.
• Wessex Internet’s online coverage checker provides a detailed map and start and finish dates.
• Anticipated contract completion by autumn 2024.
• Extensive communications and stakeholder engagement campaign to support roll out.

Introduction

On December 23rd Connecting Devon and Somerset, with support from Government, signed a contract with Blandford Forum-based Wessex Internet to deliver full fibre broadband to 3,618 homes and businesses in earmarked areas of South Somerset, covering parts of the Somerton
and Frome* (2,145 premises) and Yeovil (1,473 premises) parliamentary constituencies. The contract will involve the construction of an estimated 186 miles of fibre network. Delivery will be in six phases between 2021 and 2024.

*The Mendips area of Somerton and Frome is subject to a contract with Truespeed. An update will follow.

Progress

Wessex Internet anticipates that it will have completed its resource mobilisation and planning phases in the third quarter, autumn 2021.
Work started on the ground in early May in Woolston (near North Cadbury) to build the main network (backhaul construction). This will continue throughout the summer and will serve over 400 premises.

The first properties to be connected will be by early winter 2021 in North and South Barrow, Babcary, Woolston, Queen Camel and Marston Magna.
The next stage of the main network build follows in the autumn in the areas of Barwick, Stoford, East Coker and Closworth. This will serve over 900 premises which will be connected in spring 2022.
Wessex Internet’s planning and construction teams continue to work with local landowners, utilities, Somerset County Council Highways, Highways England and Network Rail.
Community engagement and communications continue at all levels – including communication to over 30 parish councils – and there are ongoing progress meetings with South Somerset District Council and Members.

Further information

Wessex Internet
Christine O’Grady,
christine.o’grady@wessexinternet.com
cds.wessexinternet.com
Connecting Devon and Somerset
Susie Jones,
susanna.jones@devon.gov.uk
connectingdevonandsomerset.co.uk
Connecting Devon and Somerset
Programme Update – Wessex Internet
July 19th, 2021