Villagers who dug deep to get UK’s fastest broadband
IT is an idyllic rural outpost where people live their lives at a slower pace.
But thanks to the efforts of its residents, the tiny village of Balquhidder now has some of the fastest broadband in the UK.
Frustrated by the slow internet connection offered by typical suppliers, villagers began digging trenches to lay their own network of fibre cables.
The 197 homes and businesses in the area are now among a tiny fraction of UK homes with access to broadband speeds of 1 gigabit per second (Gbps).
Balquhidder’s connection is hundreds of times faster than those previously available from mainstream internet service providers, who relied upon existing ‘exchange-only’ lines deemed too expensive to upgrade.
The project was undertaken by community interest company Balquhidder Community Broadband (BCB).
It involved volunteers digging their own trenches in order for fibre cable to be laid in their area in rural Perthshire.
The service is also available to residents in the nearby Ballimore and Kirkton glens.
It was made possible by an initial £100,000 investment from Stirling Council, along with a similar investment from its commercial partner, internet service provider Bogons. Speaking at a public launch of the network, BCB director David Johnston said: ‘This project is hugely significant.
‘Residential homes and businesses, some of which have no broadband, will be able to enjoy world-class service, for less than most are currently paying.’
London-based Bogons says it hopes to create similar networks in rural areas where residents are happy to dig their own trenches.
Director Brandon Butterworth said: ‘A DIY dig saves the community a significant part of the install cost.’
Residents typically pay £35 per month and a £135 one-off installation fee in order to receive the 1Gbps unlimited service. The BCB project expects to ‘bring millions of pounds in economic gains’, which they say will boost the local economy.
Property prices are also expected to rise, while residents and businesses will be able to better access services online.
Tom Lewis, owner and chef at Mhor Group, which operates hotels and restaurants in the area, said: ‘This broadband scheme is vital to the development of our businesses.’
He added: ‘Our current satellite feed is really expensive and only lets us provide limited email services to our customers, which has had a negative impact on our corporate conference business.
‘It will be transformational once we are connected.’
Stirling Council’s finance and economy chairman Margaret Brisley said: ‘The council recognises the leadership and commitment shown by the community and is delighted to work in partnership to deliver this project.’