Voneus granted Code Powers to speed up rural broadband rollout

Voneus, the rural community broadband specialist, today announced that it has been granted powers by Ofcom under the Electronics Communications Code (the Code) which will help it accelerate the rollout of superfast broadband services to hard-to-reach UK rural communities. By making it easier for Voneus to construct its high-speed infrastructure on public land – as well as in partnership with local landowners – these Code Powers will cut the time it takes to bring new communities online.

“There are numerous rural communities across the UK that are still struggling to get access to superfast broadband; many are stuck on lengthy waiting lists, in the hope that broadband will eventually reach their neighbourhoods,”said Matthew Appleton, Assistant CEO, Voneus.“These Code Powers will cut the wait for the communities we serve. They make it simpler for us to expand our infrastructure into new places, meaning we can more quickly bring superfast broadband to more homes and businesses.”

Voneus’ fixed wireless broadband services are currently available in 50 rural communities in the UK, spanning Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cheshire, Devon, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Somerset, South Wales, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Yorkshire, Northamptonshire and Wiltshire. Not only is it focused on bringing superfast broadband to yet more villages, Voneus is committed to ensuring that its network infrastructure blends in with the environment. Wherever possible, it uses telegraph poles or existing buildings to mount its antennae.

Matthew Appleton explains:“The communities we serve are in some of the most beautiful places in the country, and while many villages are desperate for broadband, they don’t want ugly masts blighting the landscape. Our idea has always been to build out networks that are sympathetic to the surrounding environment, making use of existing buildings like churches and village halls wherever we can.”