While gigabit speeds are usually only provided by fibre to the premises (FTTP) connections, broadband provider Wildanet, which has set up its base in Liskeard, is using a receiver recently installed on the roof of the Public Hall.
Wireless signals are transmitted from there into homes and businesses in the area – who can now benefit from broadband speeds 40 times faster than the average connection.
’At Wildanet, we are absolutely delighted to be supporting Liskeard to access this incredible resource, especially at such a crucial time when so many people need fast internet speeds for home-working,’ said Ian Calvert, CEO.
Not only are growing numbers of people opting to work from home, he says, more and more devices are becoming internet-enabled, and gigabit broadband allows consistent and confident internet usage.
Liskeard mayor, Rachel Brooks, said: ’We’re very excited that Wildanet has chosen Liskeard to install Cornwall’s first gigabit connection. Now, more than ever, people are relying on digital to connect with family and friends but also for business and entertainment, and it’s great that people now have an extra choice that can give them the speeds needed.’
The innovative approach taken by Wildanet is good news also for Liskeard Town Council’s investment in a new creative and digital workspace on the site of the old cattle market.
While the original market held its final livestock sale in 2017, the Liskeard Cattle Market Digital and Creative Workspace has received funding from the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership, the European Regional Development Fund, and Cornwall Council.
The new workspace will provide 17 flexible units aimed at Cornwall’s booming digital and creative industries sectors, supporting around 33 jobs, and add around £1.2m a year to the local economy.
Cllr Brooks said: ’Liskeard Town Council is committed to supporting homes and businesses in Liskeard, especially during such challenging times as we strive to recover from the impact of COVID-19. With Cornwall’s geographical remoteness and the seasonality of tourism, investing in our internet connection is a key avenue for safeguarding the vitality of town centres and high streets.’
Paddy Paddison, chief technical officer at Wildanet, said: ’This installation is an important first for us. We’re proud to be the first provider able to offer gigabit connections to over 500 homes in the Liskeard area.
’Cornwall is a progressive county and we should always be looking to improve our broadband capability, in order to connect faster, work smarter and remain competitive in an increasingly connected, digital arena. Liskeard’s connection will be more reliable, resilient, predictable and consistent.
’We are so proud that the town can access the fastest broadband in Cornwall and all the benefits it can bring to businesses and communities - at a time when the county bounces back after the pandemic.’