Airband provides free broadband to rural community centres

Independent internet provider, Airband, has announced it is providing free broadband to community centres across Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire, and Devon to help bridge the digital gap and reduce isolation.

The announcement comes off the back of new research which reveals that over a quarter of local residents personally rely on their community hubs (26%). Half (50%) use them for social events, recreation (29%), educational classes (17%) and access to key services (17%).

Over 500 venues across Airband’s network have been connected so far, and Airband are asking locals who run community hubs across Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire, and Devon to get in touch to register for free broadband services – with the ambition to supercharge their mission of connecting country communities by year’s end.

The initiative is part of Airband’s broader commitment to offer complimentary Wi-Fi to community hubs throughout its network.

Recent research* by the broadband provider highlights the importance of community centres and their role in helping to combat loneliness and provide essential services in rural areas. Notably, a fifth (20%) visit their local hub at least once a month, with almost half (45%) saying they are vital to their community.

The study also shows 37% of residents have faced loneliness, with winter being cited as a particularly tough time. Almost half (46%) believe public spaces such as these play a crucial role in supporting those struggling with isolation.

These spaces also foster new friendships and activities, with 37% attending fitness classes, 34% charitable events, 30% community meetings, 23% sporting events, 22% live music and plays, and others participating in social events, book clubs, and educational programs.

James Hyland, Head of Residential for Airband, said: “As a provider focused on connecting semi-rural and hard-to-reach areas, we understand the importance community centres play in building and strengthening the cultural fabric of an area, fostering connection, and creating a sense of belonging. We’re proud to offer free broadband to these vital spaces, especially as crucial hubs for both digital and in-person connection.”

This announcement follows Airband’s recent achievement as the first European operator to launch next-generation fixed wireless access (ngFWA) in the UK, in partnership with Silicon Valley-based Tarana. This network, which blends ngFWA and fibre, will cover over 440,000 premises across 200 communities, providing reliable broadband to underserved rural areas as part of Airband’s ongoing push for digital inclusion.

*A poll of 1,000 UK adults from rural areas which focused on Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire, and Devon undertaken by Prospectus Global on behalf of Airband.