Jurassic Fibre, a broadband internet network developer, has announced ambitious plans to increase the rollout of its ultrafast fibre network to cover 500,000 homes and businesses across 30 towns and villages in the South West by 2026. The announcement coincided with a visit from The Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak MP to Jurassic Fibre’s Devon headquarters in Honiton.

During the Chancellor’s visit, Michael Maltby, CEO of Jurassic Fibre, outlined the company’s achievements during its first four years of operation, including providing access to ultrafast fibre broadband for 100,000 underserved households and businesses across 21 towns in Devon, Dorset, Somerset and Cornwall. It has also created 350 jobs in the region.

Touring the Jurassic Fibre facility, The Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP, commented:

“Improving digital connectivity across rural communities in the South West is a vital part of our ambitions to level up every corner of the country. Through better access to ultrafast broadband, people and businesses in the region can benefit from the same opportunities afforded to regions like London and the South East. Jurassic Fibre has been a stalwart champion in bringing ever greater broadband access to areas like Devon.

“It has been great to see their business in action and to learn more about the positive impact they are having on the regional economy, not only through job creation in their own company, but enabling the growth of local businesses and boosting employment."

Michael Maltby, CEO, Jurassic Fibre, said:

“Jurassic Fibre has achieved some phenomenal milestones in our short history, including connecting 100,000 South West-based households and businesses to ultrafast broadband in just four years. Our investment in the region has made gigabit speeds a reality for many rural communities. But we’re not stopping here. There is a still a long way to go in bringing the South West’s digital infrastructure up to the levels required in the 21st century.

“By increasing our commitment to 500,000 homes and businesses in the next four years, we are firmly demonstrating our dedication to both supporting the Government’s levelling up agenda and making the South West an attractive region to live, work, invest and visit. It was fantastic to welcome the Chancellor to our part of the world and highlight the great strides that are being made, while outlining our ambitions for the future."

The Chancellor had travelled to the region to lend his support to Tiverton and Honiton Conservative candidate Helen Hurford, in advance of the local by-election on 23rd June. He was keen to visit a high growth business that is transforming economic prosperity in the town and across the South West region, and to meet local employees who live and work in the constituency.