Swindon broadband roll out paused

A recent scheme designed to provide high-speed broadband throughout Swindon, Wilshire will now experience setbacks, meaning that some areas are likely to be left without access to faster internet service.

A spokesperson for the company charged with the project, CityFibre, commented it was pausing the rollout in Swindon. This means that high-speed broadband will not get to the nearby village of Wroughton any time soon. They added that the pause was the result of a decision based on a priority review.

Brian Ford, Councillor for Wroughton and Wichelstowe commented on the pause:

“Cllr David Martyn and I have received the following disappointing news earlier today. We will be in consultation with Sir Robert Buckland MP on how we can best support fibre Broadband for Wroughton, especially those areas that are poorly served by other providers.”

The scheme represents £40 million investment that launched back in October 2020. Its aim was to upgrade thousands of businesses and homes in the area with full fibre and gigabit capable broadband.

Without the pause, the roll out was due for completion by summer 2024. A report on the project estimated that the roll-out would have a substantial impact on Swindon over a 15-year term. Positive effects included £74 million from a larger workforce, £335 million in innovation and productivity gains, £150 million in increased property value and £10 million in efficiency savings for the local authority.

Fast and dependable broadband is now considered a business-critical service for most UK enterprises.

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