MP Sally-Ann Hart fires up a brand new locally-operated full fibre broadband network in Hastings and St Leonards

Full fibre broadband boost for Hastings and St Leonards

East Sussex based AltNet Lightning Fibre, founded in Eastbourne in 2018, reaches St Leonards on Sea bringing full fibre connectivity to town, making it one of the best connected towns in the UK, with average download speeds over 3 times faster than delivered over the old copper network currently used by most homes.

With a multi-million pound investment secured in 2020, the firm has built a future-proofed Full Fibre broadband network in East Sussex, creating almost 200 local jobs and improving the connectivity of thousands of homes and businesses. The company takes a ‘community-centric’ approach, supporting grassroots football teams including Hastings Athletic FC U10s, Pirate Day, and sponsored one of 30 Duck Sculptures for the St Michael’s Hospice Follow that Duck outdoor art trail, raising awareness and funds for our local hospice during the Summer.

Ben Ferriman, Founder and CEO, commented, “We already have a large number of happy customers in Eastbourne, and I am delighted that we can now connect homes and businesses in St. Leonards and Hastings. Our customers want to access a locally operated network, rather than using a mainstream provider, and benefit from excellent customer service. We’re proud to be rated Excellent on Trustpilot. Over the next twelve months our network will reach almost every premises in Hastings and St. Leonards.”

With households under financial pressure from the rising cost of living, the company offers competitive prices from just £24 per month with no in-contract, inflationary annual price rises, which are both unfair and unpopular with consumers. Guaranteed upload and download speeds start at 100Mbps and go as fast as 900Mbps, which proves popular with busy households, gamers and home workers who need hyper fast speeds. Studies have shown full fibre optic networks support lower greenhouse gas emissions and promote wider access to employment and education.

Average download speeds over 3 times faster than delivered over the old copper network

The firm has also recently launched a £15 per month rolling contract for 50Mbps for households on means-tested benefits.

Hastings and Rye MP Sally-Ann Hart, unveiling the new Primary Node Cabinet, commented, “The Government’s manifesto commitment to deliver nationwide gigabit-broadband with £5 billion investment, leveraging in further private investment by companies such as Lightning Fibre, is fundamental for local connectivity and economic growth. Lightning Fibre is a locally-based company and its investment here means the creation of more local jobs and inward investment in our towns. I am happy to support Lightning Fibre as they help to roll out Full Fibre across East Sussex, and beyond.”

To find out more go to www.LightningFibre.co.uk, or call 01323 380260. As the network build rolls out, the company encourages anyone with questions, concerns or issues to contact them by phone or email [email protected] and they promise to deal with issues promptly. Lightning Fibre is a member of the Hastings Chamber of Commerce.