Wildanet began life in Cornwall in 2017 as a FWA (Fixed Wireless Access) provider using radio-based technology to extend high speed internet into remote rural areas across Cornwall.

In the years since, the rapid development and growth of the business has seen Wildanet adopt the latest Full Fibre technology, making huge strides in the deployment of its new gigabit-capable Full Fibre network and establishing itself as a major fibre broadband operator in the South West.

Tens of thousands of properties across Cornwall and Devon are now able to benefit from Full Fibre broadband as a result of Wildanet’s work to upgrade the digital infrastructure across both counties.

At the same time, much of the equipment supporting the original FWA network is now approaching the end of its operational life, becoming increasingly prone to failure and is no longer economically viable to maintain or upgrade.

As a result, earlier this year Wildanet started a project to assist affected customers with transitioning across to an alternative broadband service, in advance of the planned decommissioning of its FWA network. In that time, Wildanet has already successfully assisted many of the affected customers to transition over to a new service. The original timeline to decommission parts of the FWA network was scheduled for June 2025, but this has now been postponed to 31 October, following feedback and consultation with affected customers, to allow more time to transition to alternative broadband solutions.

It’s important to note that Wildanet’s legacy FWA network is separate from its new Full Fibre rollout which is being funded separately. The external funding Wildanet is receiving is exclusively for the rollout of a brand-new Full Fibre broadband network in locations specified by the contracts and cannot be used to maintain or support the company’s older Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) service. Wildanet is helping to transition customers from the FWA service onto its new Full Fibre network where this is available - either immediately or as the network becomes available in those locations in the future.

Whilst this new Full Fibre roll-out is making a huge positive difference to many communities, not all locations served by the FWA network can be served by the new Full Fibre network, and in these locations, our team are working with affected customers to support with a transition to an alternative service.

Simon Hughes, Chief Commercial Officer at Wildanet, said: “While the FWA service was an important part of the foundation and early development of Wildanet, some of the supporting infrastructure is no longer economically viable to maintain or upgrade and as a result we have made the difficult decision to retire parts of this older network and focus our efforts on delivering new, more reliable broadband technology.

“The Wildanet team will be contacting all remaining customers affected by this change to assist their transition to an alternative broadband service (where they have not already).

“Where possible, our teams will help customers move over to an alternative broadband service provided by Wildanet. If that is not currently available at their address, the Wildanet team will assist customers in exploring other options.”

Any customers with queries or concerns, are asked to contact Wildanet ‘s dedicated Customer Care Team on 0800 0699906 or email at hello@wildanet.com