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Alternative UK broadband ISP Wessex Internet, which is deploying a mix of full fibre (FTTP) and fixed wireless networks across Southern England, last week scooped the Best of British Businesses 2026 award from ‘The Independent’ and ‘Business Reporter’ for their impact on rural internet connectivity.
The network operator, which is currently working to expand their rural full fibre infrastructure to cover 137,000 premises (here), has so far already reached 66,000 properties and laid over 7,700km of fibre optic broadband cable across some of the hardest‑to‑reach areas in the Southwest. You can read more about their history in our recent interview piece (here).
“Like many technology focused businesses, [our] success comes from a blend of factors, but at the heart of it are the 350 passionate people who make up the Wessex Internet team. Many are local, with personal ties to the villages they serve and a deep understanding of rural life. That insight helps them navigate the unique challenges of building connectivity in remote areas,” said the announcement.
The provider also works closely with local landowners and farmers to overcome challenges with running their new network across fields and under rivers, among other things. This often helps to avoid unnecessary roadworks by harnessing low impact machinery, while preserving the natural environment.
In addition, the provider has also invested over £350,000 in rural charities and community projects. This commitment is best illustrated through their Community Hub initiative, which connects a local project in every build area for just £1, supporting causes that bring people together.
Recent beneficiaries of the above scheme include the Big Yellow Bus Garden Project, a volunteer run community garden in Shillingstone, Dorset, which could not afford broadband access to its isolated site until Wessex Internet stepped in to create and sponsor a bespoke connection.