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Tech company Jurassic Fibre is to extend its full-fibre network across the South West with the aim of bringing ultrafast broadband to 350,000 households and businesses.

The Exeter-based firm’s roll-out to Barnstaple, Wellington, West Hill and Marsh Green is the latest development in its ambitious plans to deploy ultrafast fibre-to-the-premises broadband across the region in the next four years.

. Construction has also started in Yeovil and Taunton, where the first homes to be completed are expected to be released to service to residents and businesses by early next year.

Michael Maltby, chief executive and founder at Jurassic Fibre, said: “Our broadband roll-out in the South West has gathered pace this year, as evidenced by our plans to deliver state-of-the-art broadband to four more areas.

“In little more than a year, our network now extends over 100km from Barnstaple in North Devon through the towns and villages of East Devon to Yeovil in South Somerset.

“The events of 2020 have emphasised the importance of digital connectivity, for homes and businesses, with fast and reliable broadband now needed more than ever for remote working, home-schooling and connecting with others.

“By rapidly expanding our network, to areas across Devon and Somerset, we aim to support the vitality and growth of the region’s economy; enabling rural areas to become viable alternatives to the big cities.”

Jurassic Fibre has grown rapidly in the past year. With a £250million investment, it has recruited more than 175 staff from Devon and Somerset to ensure it can roll out its network, ahead of the Government’s 2026 target for full-fibre broadband to be universally available across the º£½ÇÊÓƵ.