Undersea "dark fiber" enables BT to deliver broadband to the Scilly Isles
The Scilly Isles, a remote archipelago off the southwest coast of England, is set to receive a significant boost in its digital infrastructure, thanks to a groundbreaking broadband scheme led by BT. This initiative is part of the Superfast Cornwall project, an endeavour aimed at improving broadband connectivity across the region.
For years, the Scilly Isles have relied on a wireless radio link from Land's End for their internet needs. However, the advent of a new generation of technology has rendered the existing cables, which once carried voice and data traffic between the UK, Ireland, and Spain, obsolete. These cables, known as "dark fibre," are now being activated by BT to enable higher capacity transmission over long distances.
Activating this dark fibre will allow for much higher speed and more reliable full-fibre broadband access compared to older copper or wireless technologies. This means that the 2,200 residents of the Scilly Isles will, for the first time, have access to fibre-optic broadband services.
The benefits of this scheme extend beyond improved connectivity. It is expected to help existing firms become more efficient and seize new market opportunities. Moreover, the scheme is anticipated to spark more start-up businesses, create more local jobs, and contribute to a stronger, more sustainable economy for the Scilly Isles.
The broadband scheme to the Scilly Isles is a pioneering initiative in every sense of the word. It is the most ambitious project of its kind ever undertaken in UK waters and probably in Europe. The scheme is described as highly innovative and environmentally-friendly, making it a significant step forward in digital infrastructure development.
The £3.7 million broadband scheme is backed by BT, the European Regional Development Fund, and Cornwall Council. The tests have confirmed that the cables are in good condition and will provide a reliable service for years to come. The scheme is due for completion next year, marking a significant milestone in the digital transformation of the Scilly Isles.
With the activation of the dark fibre cables, the Scilly Isles will transition from older, less reliable wireless technologies to a more efficient full-fibre broadband access, enabled by data-and-cloud-computing technology. This upgrade in digital infrastructure, due to completion next year, will not only improve connectivity for the 2,200 residents but also open opportunities for existing businesses, encourage start-ups, create jobs, and contribute to a more sustainable economy. Furthermore, the pioneering broadband scheme, considered highly innovative and environmentally-friendly, signifies a significant advancement in gadgets and technology, particularly in the development of digital infrastructure.
