The National Wealth Fund (NWF) has announced a GBP 50 million (US$68 million) commitment to regional full fibre operator Wessex Internet to support their rollout of full fibre broadband to rural communities in Dorset, Somerset, Hampshire and Wiltshire.  

The National Wealth Fund’s investment is part of a broader funding package that includes contributions from Wessex Internet’s founding shareholders, Aberdeen Investments, and an extension of an existing loan from Triodos. This financing supports GBP 72 million (US$98 million) in government subsidy awarded through four Project Gigabit contracts administered by BDUK, aimed at enabling Wessex’s targeted rollout of full-fibre broadband in hard-to-reach and underserved rural areas. Together, the combined investment and subsidy will allow the company to expand its current network—from around 40,000 premises—to reach approximately 137,000 rural homes and businesses.

Wessex Internet operates as a collaborative broadband provider dedicated to delivering dependable connectivity to small rural communities—areas where larger operators often find it difficult to invest due to the complexity of infrastructure deployment and the relatively low number of premises. Through the continued use of innovative rural construction methods, Wessex aims to bridge the digital divide across Dorset, Somerset, Hampshire, and Wiltshire, offering fast, reliable, and affordable full-fibre broadband. This improved connectivity will help strengthen local economies by enhancing digital access for both households and businesses.