Three broadband providers have been selected to roll out full fibre networks on behalf of the Connecting Devon and Somerset (CDS) programme, backed by Government funding.
Airband, Truespeed and Wessex Internet will be installing full fibre broadband across Devon and Somerset to more than 56,000 rural homes and businesses over the next four years.
The three companies have between them so far delivered connections to nearly 41,000 premises in the CDS region.
The combined public and private sector investment of around £80m is being funded by the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Heart of the South West LEP, CDS local authorities, European Regional Development Fund and the Rural Development Programme for England.
In the new roll-out, Airband will be expanding its full fibre coverage into rural areas of Somerset West and Taunton, parts of Sedgemoor, East Devon, as well as areas of Mid Devon, South Hams and Teignbridge.
Truespeed will be working in B&NES (Bath & North East Somerset), North Somerset, Mendip and part of Sedgemoor; while Wessex Internet will deliver in rural communities of South Somerset. Work is due to start next year for completion in 2024.
Evan Wienburg, Truespeed CEO, said: “As a Somerset-based business focused on building out our own full fibre infrastructure to areas left behind by the industry giants, we are the natural partner for CDS.
"The requirement for full fibre broadband is essential as more people study and work from home."
The whole Connecting Devon and Somerset programme is expected to deliver an £800m boost to the regional economy.