Wiltshire Council has announced the launch of Digital Wiltshire, a new online portal designed to keep residents and businesses informed about the progress of gigabit-capable broadband infrastructure being upgraded across the county.
The Digital Wiltshire portal supports delivery of the government’s Project Gigabit programme, which aims to deliver full fibre connectivity upgrades to rural and hard-to-reach areas by 2032. Through Digital Wiltshire, users can access:
- Interactive mapping: View Building Digital UK open market review (OMR) information on fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) upgrades as we receive it, including ‘Ready for Service’ (RFS) status.
- Connectivity classifications: Understand coverage categories (White, Grey, Black, Orange) and what they mean at premises and location level.
- Guidance and support: Access FAQs, check availability, and find links to national resources such as Building Digital UK, Ofcom, and Think Broadband.
- Community engagement: Participate in surveys, for example, to report mobile ‘not spots’ and share experiences to help gather evidence to improve coverage.
The platform is available at: www.wiltshire.gov.uk/digital-wiltshire
To further support the rollout of gigabit-capable broadband, Wiltshire Council has also published its Superfast Broadband Impact Evaluation Report, which explores the transformative effects of improved digital connectivity across South and North Wiltshire.
The University of the West of England analysed the outcomes of the £3 million Superfast Broadband rollout which took place between 2017 and 2022. Their report highlights how enhanced connectivity has positively impacted individuals, families, businesses and the wider community. Key findings include:
- Improved family life and wellbeing: Residents reported better access to online healthcare, education and shopping, with video conferencing helping families stay connected across distances.
- Remote and hybrid working: The ability to work from home has improved productivity, reduced stress and enhanced work-life balance.
- Business growth and innovation: SMEs have expanded nationally and internationally, using digital tools to overcome recruitment and infrastructure challenges.
- Community engagement: Where local champions supported the rollout, uptake was high. However, areas without such support saw patchier delivery and increased frustration.
- Digital inequality: Some residents still lack access, leading to feelings of isolation and concern, especially with the upcoming BT landline switch over to fibre infrastructure in 2027.
In the new year, Wiltshire Council will engage with residents and businesses through Digital Wiltshire to gather further insights, linking local experiences to the report’s key themes. This feedback will help shape the next phase of digital infrastructure delivery in collaboration with Building Digital UK and key communication providers.
Cllr Helen Belcher, Wiltshire Council Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Regeneration and Assets, said: "Digital connectivity is no longer a luxury – it’s a necessity for our communities and businesses. The launch of Digital Wiltshire marks an important step in ensuring everyone has access to and information about reliable, high-speed broadband. By working together and listening to local experiences, we can unlock opportunities for growth, education, and well-being across the county."
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