That Gigabit broadband could be worth a bit - £1billion for Devon!

A new independent report, launched in Westminster, analysing the social, economic and environmental benefits of digital inclusion, predicts that the roll out of a gigabit capable broadband network in Devon will generate over £1bn of new business gross value added (GVA) by 2030.
The Connecting Devon report, published by policy institute Curia, and commissioned by South West internet provider Wildanet, shows that Devon will massively benefit from gigabit-speed broadband, as a result of increased productivity, revenues, export and SME growth.
Curia also forecasts a major environmental impact, with more than £400 million of equivalent carbon taxation savings between 2021 and 2030 (£45 million per annum by 2025 and £83 million per annum by 2030).
Wildanet is currently working in more than 15 areas across Devon to bring its gigabit-capable network to more than 25,000 homes and businesses across the county including Ashburton, Axminster, Holsworthy, Ipplepen, South Brent, South Molton, Totnes, Yealmpton and Yelverton.
Up to now, the larger broadband commercial operators have only deployed infrastructure where it is most profitable to do so, leaving rural and harder to reach areas isolated and without high-speed broadband. And Devon underperforms compared to the rest of the UK, with only 54% having access to gigabit speed broadband, against a national figure of 75%.
Wildanet, based in Liskeard in Cornwall, has been a champion of digital inclusion since its start-up in 2017 and commissioned the research to understand better the full impact of high-speed broadband.
Additionally, the report highlights that 39% of people in the South West have ‘low’ or ‘very low’ digital skills and in Devon 78,000 people have still never used the internet.
The case for gigabit broadband is compelling and has been accelerated by the pandemic, with home working, video communications, remote services, online banking and retail creating huge, unprecedented demand.
Helen Wylde, CEO Wildanet, said: “This report highlights not only the opportunity we have to bring transformational change to those in rural and remote communities, but the responsibility we have in achieving it. Our mission at Wildanet is to end digital poverty through connecting people, communities, and businesses, wherever they are in Cornwall and Devon.”
Visit www.wildanet.com/Devon-Curia-Report