A lightning-fast broadband upgrade is coming to Ilminster and other parts of South Somerset.

Wessex Internet has secured a government contract worth £33.5 million to upgrade digital connectivity in hard-to-reach areas.

It will supply ultrafast broadband to 21,400 homes and establishments in South and West Dorset, and South Somerset.

The agreement is a key part of Project Gigabit, the government's £5 billion plan to update digital connectivity in areas which may otherwise miss the economic and lifestyle advantages brought by such high-speed connectivity.

In the context of Wessex Internet, this is the fourth agreement from Project Gigabit and the firm’s largest to date.

The news falls close to the March announcement that Wessex will deliver an £18.8 million roll-out for the South Wiltshire area through the same scheme.

Digital infrastructure minister, Julia Lopez acknowledged the impact of subpar infrastructure on economic growth and quality of life.

She said: "Essential tasks such as online medical appointments or business meetings shouldn't be hindered by slow speeds and unreliable service.

"With our Project Gigabit scheme, many rural areas in Dorset and South Somerset will have access to superfast connections, hence creating more opportunities within the digital economy."

Chard & Ilminster News: Wessex Internet has secured a government contract worth £33.5 million to upgrade digital

Hector Gibson Fleming, CEO at Wessex Internet, expressed his team's enthusiasm to extend their services to more people living and working in Dorset and South Somerset.

He emphasised the importance of keeping the friendly local service that customers value while partnering with rural communities for network build.

Planning for the network expansion has already begun, with construction projected to commence at the end of 2024.

The contract encompasses rural areas close to Crewkerne and Ilminster along South Somerset’s western boundary, and locations like Swanage, the Isle of Purbeck, and Sherborne within Dorset.

Beneficiaries of this upgrade will enjoy full fibre connections, also known as Fibre to the Premise (FTTP).

This signifies that a fibre optic cable will run all the way to a home or business, offering connection speeds of up to 10Gbps, along with superior reliability compared to existing copper wiring.

Residents curious about the upgrade can use an online coverage checker at www.wessexinternet.com or call 0333 240 7997 for more information.