Jurassic Fibre, a developer of broadband internet networks, has announced ambitious plans to expand its ultrafast fibre rollout to reach 500,000 homes and businesses across 30 towns and villages in the South West by 2026.
The announcement coincided with a visit to Jurassic Fibre’s Devon headquarters in Honiton by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak MP.
During the Chancellor’s visit, Michael Maltby, CEO of Jurassic Fibre, reviewed the company’s achievements during its first four years of operation. Jurassic Fibre has provided ultrafast fibre broadband to 100,000 previously underserved households and businesses across 21 towns in Devon, Dorset, Somerset and Cornwall, and has created 350 jobs in the region.
Touring the Jurassic Fibre facility, the Chancellor, the Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP, said: “Improving digital connectivity across rural communities in the South West is a vital part of our ambitions to level up every corner of the country. Through better access to ultrafast broadband, people and businesses in the region can benefit from the same opportunities afforded to regions like London and the South East. Jurassic Fibre has been a stalwart champion in bringing ever greater broadband access to areas like Devon.
“It has been great to see their business in action and to learn more about the positive impact they are having on the regional economy, not only through job creation in their own company, but by enabling growth in local businesses and boosting employment.”
Michael Maltby, CEO of Jurassic Fibre, added: “Jurassic Fibre has reached some significant milestones in our short history, including connecting 100,000 South West households and businesses to ultrafast broadband in just four years. Our investment in the region has made gigabit speeds a reality for many rural communities. But we’re not stopping here. There is still considerable work to do to bring the South West’s digital infrastructure up to the standards required in the 21st century.
“By increasing our commitment to reach 500,000 homes and businesses over the next four years, we are demonstrating our dedication to supporting the Government’s levelling up agenda and making the South West an attractive place to live, work, invest and visit. It was fantastic to welcome the Chancellor to our part of the world, highlight the progress already made, and outline our ambitions for the future.”
The Chancellor visited the region to support Tiverton and Honiton Conservative candidate Helen Hurford ahead of the local by-election on 23 June. He was keen to meet a high-growth business that is helping to transform economic prospects in the town and across the South West, and to speak with local employees who live and work in the constituency.
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