Internet service provider Truespeed has invested £22m to expand the roll-out of its network across the South West.
The Bath-based full-fibre broadband firm said it had extended its reach to a further 43,000 properties across 12 new areas, including its first locations in South Gloucestershire.
As well as adding Thornbury, Almondsbury, Bradley Stoke, Patchway, Stoke Gifford and Chipping Sodbury to its remit, the company has also increased its footprint in its home city to cover Bathwick, Widcombe and Combe Down. It has also expanded into the North Somerset areas of Uphill, Banwell and Sandford.
Truespeed, which has connected more than 300 businesses across more than 200 communities in rural and urban areas, said planning and building works were “well underway” for its new areas, with connections to be established throughout next year.
The firm said it had scaled up its operations in line with its latest growth, with it now employing more than 200 people directly in the local area, alongside additional work for its contractor partners.
Chief executive James Lowther said: “Access to reliable, ultrafast broadband plays an essential role in every day life and we’re pleased to be rolling out our ultrafast full fibre network to more homes and businesses than ever before.
"By investing in multiple communities across the South West including Thornbury, Stoke Gifford, Chipping Sodbury and Banwell to name just a few, we’re providing an enormous upgrade to a vital modern day utility.”
Truespeed secured a £100m investment from Aviva Investors at the start of the year to support its network build across the region.
The funding was the second tranche Truespeed received from the asset management arm of the insurance giant, which invested £75m into the supplier in 2017.
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