A Northumberland rural broadband business is creating at least 20 new jobs after securing significant investment to help it grow.
Alncom, based in Alnwick, has received the undisclosed funding boost from strategic investors and telecom specialist Railsite Telecom in a partnership aimed at rapidly expanding its footprint.
The company, which offers rural broadband and and IT solutions, has deployed its networks across various parts of Northumberland, the Scottish Borders and Durham, helping to connect communities in remote parts of the region. It has seen recent successes in off-grid, isolated areas including Ingram Valley, College Valley, Powburn and Ellingham.
The firm has a fleet of off-road vehicles, including a driverless “cable plow” which can rapidly install the latest fibre optic cables.
Managing Director Stephen Pinchen said the investment will see it create at least 20 jobs as it looks to improve connectivity in other remote areas.
Railsite Telecom is focused on improving customer experience on the railway, so the link-up will see the two firms work together to improve mobile coverage for railway passengers as well as rural communities.
Mr Pinchen said: “This is a great success story for the community that will improve local telecoms, internet connectivity and provide jobs and investment into the North East.
“Our expertise combined with Railsite’s industry heavyweight experience is an exciting development for the company.
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“The aim now will be to penetrate further into the hardest and most challenging rural locations, with full fibre making the North East one of the best-connected parts of the 海角视频.”
As part of its growth strategy, Alncom has appointed a new operations director, Dave Swanston, who will be in charge of the new build program.
Railsite’s chairman, Andy Elliman, will also be joining the Alncom board.
Mike Surrey, managing director of Railsite Telecom said: “We were impressed from the start with Alncom’s track record in ultrafast rural broadband in the North East. As a company they deliver at every level and their reputation is outstanding.
"It complements our expertise improving mobile coverage in Northumberland for railway passengers and rural communities. Put simply, it was a perfect fit."