Gigaclear Breaks Ground on £6.85M Broadband Project in Gloucestershire
Gloucestershire residents are one step closer to lightning-fast internet speeds as Gigaclear, a leading rural broadband provider, kicks off its £6.85 million Project Gigabit initiative in the region. The project, backed by £5.45 million in government funding, aims to bring full-fibre broadband to over 2,400 homes and businesses across the Cotswolds.
Connecting the Underserved
“I’ve been struggling with sluggish internet for years,” says Sarah Thompson, a graphic designer based in Cirencester. “This project is a game-changer for small businesses like mine.”
Gigaclear’s network will deliver symmetrical speeds of up to 900Mbps, a stark contrast to the 10-20Mbps connections many rural areas currently endure. The project targets properties in the Cotswolds that have long been overlooked by larger providers due to the challenges of rural infrastructure.
Empowering Rural Communities
For residents like John Davis, a retired teacher in Tetbury, the project represents more than just faster internet. “It’s about staying connected with family and accessing vital services,” he explains. “With reliable broadband, I can video chat with my grandkids and attend virtual doctor’s appointments without worrying about dropped calls or buffering.”
Gigaclear’s CEO, Gareth Williams, emphasizes the transformative power of full-fibre broadband. “We’re not just laying cables; we’re opening doors to new opportunities for rural communities,” he states. “From remote learning to telemedicine, high-speed internet is essential for modern life.”
Investing in Infrastructure
The £6.85 million project is part of the larger £5 billion Project Gigabit initiative, which aims to bring gigabit-capable broadband to 85% of the UK by 2025. Gloucestershire is one of the first areas to benefit from the scheme, with Gigaclear securing £5.45 million in government funding to support the rollout.
“This investment demonstrates our commitment to levelling up digital infrastructure across the country,” says Digital Infrastructure Minister Julia Lopez. “No one should be left behind simply because of where they live.”
Digging into the Details
Gigaclear’s network will span over 110 kilometers, connecting properties in rural parishes such as Coberley, Colesbourne, and Cowley. The provider will use a combination of underground and overhead cabling to navigate the Cotswolds’ challenging terrain.
The project is expected to take 18 months to complete, with the first properties set to be connected by early 2023. Gigaclear has pledged to minimize disruption during the construction phase and has launched a dedicated customer support team to assist residents with the transition.
A Brighter Future for Gloucestershire
As Gigaclear breaks ground on this transformative project, Gloucestershire residents are already looking to the future. “I can’t wait to start my online business,” says Emma Johnson, a budding entrepreneur in Bibury. “With fast, reliable internet, the possibilities are endless.”
For the Cotswolds, the arrival of full-fibre broadband marks the beginning of a new era – one where rural communities are no longer left behind in the digital age.
