UK island uses innovative solution to access fibre broadband

In a UK first, businesses and residences on Papa Westray in the Orkney islands are now getting their internet services via the water network.

Network cables have been deployed inside existing water pipes, utilising Papa Westray’s community-owned system, allowing almost all premises on the island to enjoy full fibre broadband. The innovative approach now enables locals to perform a wide variety of online tasks that were previously closed to them.

Those behind the initiative hope that it can attract more people to work and live in Papa Westray, and that the ingenious water networks can be employed to supply faster broadband to many other hard-to-reach parts of the UK.

Historically, the island has struggled with poor connectivity. Businesses and homes have experienced internet speeds that range from exceptionally slow to no connection whatsoever. As a result, the small population of around 90 have been sorely limited in their online activities.

The endeavour took about eight months to complete, with the network installation conducted by CloudNet, a local contractor.

The connection initially arrives at Papa Westray through a radio link sent from its neighbour, the Isle of Westray, and is then distributed throughout the island via the water pipes. The fibre optic cable runs through another pipe that is housed inside the water network, which supplies drinking water to properties on the island.

Papa Westray was selected as the pilot project for the approach as the water system is community owned. This made the work a less disruptive and more efficient alternative to traditional methods of laying cable.