Securing Government Funding for Wildanet through Project Gigabit

Client

Wildanet

Sector

Telecoms

What we provided

Political Affairs

Background.

In 2021, Wildanet, a relatively new internet service provider backed by Gresham House, partnered with JBP to support the expansion of its local and national presence and secure government funding under Project Gigabit, the UK government’s rollout of lightning-fast, reliable broadband across the UK.

Plan of action.

Developed strong relationships with MPs and Peers to enhance Wildanet’s visibility and credibility and ensure that when funding allocations were made under Project Gigabit, Wildanet was viewed as a key player capable of delivering on the government’s priorities.

Created unique Wildanet-specific policy positions for how the government could advance digital inclusion, connect the hardest to reach areas, and speed up the rollout of digital infrastructure.
Commissioned and launched two reports quantifying the social, economic and environmental impact of gigabit broadband for Devon and Cornwall, to support Wildanet’s application for Project Gigabit funding by providing compelling evidence that Wildanet was uniquely qualified to deliver these benefits, thereby bolstering their case to ministers, civil servants, and MPs.
Widening Wildanet’s relevance and reach in Parliament to demonstrate the company’s credibility to political decision-makers were. This was achieved by securing Wildanet’s participation in the DSIT Select Committee evidence session on digital inclusion and showcasing them as a national player capable of delivering results for the communities they serve.

Results.

Wildanet secured £77 million in government funding to expand rural broadband in Cornwall.
Lobbied successfully for amendments to the Electronic Communications Code and the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act.
Wildanet’s advocacy contributed to the inclusion of a National Digital Asset Register in the new Labour Government’s Digital Information and Smart Data Bill.
Engaged with 120 MPs and Peers meetings, significantly raising the company’s profile in government circles
Organised two high-profile Parliamentary receptions, attended by all Cornwall and Devon MPs, the Secretary of State for DEFRA, and five government ministers.
Secured a visit from the former Prime Minister, alongside several cabinet ministers, including the DSIT Secretary, Education Secretary and the Farming Minister.
Wildanet’s growing prominence was reflected in national and regional media, with coverage on BBC News at 10, Sky News, Financial Times, Daily Mail, The Sun, and BBC South West.