Fibre to create 1,800 new jobs on Isle of Wight

By 2030, full fibre broadband could create 1,800 jobs on the Isle of Wight and safeguard an existing 450, according to a new report from Curia on behalf of WightFibre.

Gigabit-capable broadband across the island could also generate £328m of new business and foster community and skill development with an impact valued at £50.2m.

Curia highlights potential savings of over £3.5M annually in public sector operations, starting in 2024, with the integration of remote digital healthcare plans.

Funded by Infracapital Partners, with support from the Government’s Digital Infrastructure Investment Fund and Building Digital UK voucher funding, WightFibre has spent over £80m deploying full-fibre broadband technology to 77% of the island. This will be available to 86 per cent of the island by the end of 2024 and 99 per cent by 2027.

John Irvine, CEO of WightFibre, said: "WightFibre's company purpose is about helping make the Isle of Wight a better place to live, work and play.”