Transforming Broadband Connectivity in Ditton Priors, Shropshire

SHROPSHIRE, UK. 5th April, 2024 - Almost 200 homes and businesses in remote areas of Shropshire can now access lightning-fast gigabit broadband. This is the result of a collaborative effort between Kloud9, the UK Government, and Shropshire Council's Connecting Shropshire programme. The project was made possible in part thanks to the government’s Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme, which aims to connect businesses and residents in some of the hardest-to-reach places in the UK to gigabit-capable broadband.

This initiative marks a new era of digital connectivity for rural Shropshire. It has enabled residential and commercial establishments to access lightning-fast Gigabit broadband, providing unprecedented internet speeds to the village of Ditton Priors.

Kloud9 began this ambitious project in August 2023 to ensure the community's inclusion in terms of advanced broadband infrastructure. With the completion of this project, residents and businesses in Ditton Priors can enjoy the benefits of Gigabit broadband, which is now considered a fundamental necessity.

“Gigabit broadband has become a necessity rather than a luxury. Rural villages like Ditton Priors are in real danger of being left in the broadband dark ages. It was a pleasure to work so closely with the community,” said Julie Bushell, Kloud9’s Community Engagement Manager.

A resident of Ditton Priors highlighted Kloud9's responsiveness and efficiency, stating that the project was completed in just a few months, with most residents connected in time for Christmas. In addition to residential and business connections, Kloud9 has enhanced the village hall and Willows Café with Gigabit broadband, significantly improving the café's operational efficiency and customer experience by enabling reliable card payments and providing free Wi-Fi for patrons. 

He said, “The work Kloud9 did for the café has made a real difference. The broadband was so bad that the café staff used to struggle to take card payments. However, Kloud9 installed some free wireless access points, which also allowed customers to browse the internet while enjoying the great coffee and delicious cakes available at the café.”

Kloud9's efforts in Ditton Priors are part of a broader commitment to advancing digital connectivity across Shropshire and the UK. With numerous projects in the pipeline, Kloud9 is excited to continue its work in Shropshire and beyond under the Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme.

Alex Jackson, CEO of AJ Technology, expressed his pride in the team's achievements and stated that engaging with the community and delivering a robust network in time for Christmas was immensely rewarding.

Kloud9 has completed similar projects in Cleehill and Cressage and is working on four more builds in the area.

Cllr. Robert Macey, Portfolio Holder for Culture & Digital at Shropshire Council, said: “I’m really pleased that AJ Technology has benefitted from Shropshire Council top-up funding of DSIT’s Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme. This additional funding has enabled AJ Technology to work at pace to install their full-fibre broadband network in some of Shropshire’s more rural communities, bringing them into the digital fast lane.”

ENDS