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In 2026, WightFibre celebrates 25 years of connecting the Isle of Wight. From our beginnings as the Isle of Wight Cable and Telephone Company to becoming a full-fibre pioneer, we’ve transformed the way the Island lives, works, and connects. Join us as we take a journey through a quarter of a century of innovation and growth.
1999
Isle of Wight Cable & Telephone is Born
Isle of Wight Cable and Telephone Company start to build their network on the Isle of Wight
2001
WightCable is founded
Private investors take over the Isle of Wight Cable and Telephone Company and rename it Wightcable. With new branding introduced and services upgraded to increase internet speeds.
Back in 2001, the fastest internet available on the Island topped out at just 12Mbps. At the time, it felt cutting-edge. Today, it’s a reminder of just how far broadband has come — and how much faster life online can be.
2005
WightCable changes ownership
2012
John Irvine Joins WightCable as CEO
A move highlighting the companies transition to a more fully fibre optic network. Bringing his previous 8 years’ experience at IBM, 10 years at BT, 3 years at Verizon in addition to several start-ups. Experience which provided a clear vision of where he wanted WightFibre to be, and remaining the driving force behind the success of WightFibre today.
2012
33 Employees
At the time of John Irvine joining as CEO, and a new owner the following year, 33 people worked for WightCable, many of whom are still part of the team today. In July, backed by a £500,000 investment, WightCable was rebranded to WightFibre with the launch of faster 50Mb and 100Mb speeds.
2013
A New Owner for WightFibre
Entrepreneur Keith Young invests in WightFibre to accelerate the company’s turnaround and future development. As part of this strategy, WightFibre partners with Isle of Wight–based wireless operators Click4Internet and Wight Wireless to extend island-wide coverage and deliver faster internet speeds.
2014
5,000 Customer Milestone Achieved
In 2014, WightFibre signed up its 5,000th customer, a milestone that reflected the steady growth of its expanding network and the increasing local demand for improved broadband services.
2014
Local Hero Awards
Hosted by Isle of Wight Radio, our support for the Local Hero Awards and role as main sponsor started in 2014. Enabling the Island to celebrate individuals and groups from the Isle of Wight who have made an outstanding contribution to their community.
Shining a spotlight on local heroes and celebrating their hard work and dedication across categories which include Fundraiser of the year and Inspirational Young Person Sports Achiever. Each year, we are deeply moved by the heart wrenching stories and dedication from individuals and groups that truly care for their communities across the Island.
2015
Star Wars Premiere - The Force Awakens
Our support for UKSA and other charities started with an Official Charity Premier for Star Wars: The Force Awakens, also known as Star Wars Episode VII.
With 190 specially invited guests and competition winners joining us for a very special reception and auction which included a rare 35mm film cell, complete with certificate of authenticity from the original 1977 film ‘Star Wars IV; A New Hope’, followed by a screening of the film. Raising over £3,000 for UKSA.
2015
The Launch of ‘because we care’
‘because we care’ is at the centre of our ethos at WightFibre and embedded within our culture as a business.
A permanent reminder of the importance of customer care, but also values that extend beyond simply caring about customers to include caring about our employees. As well as the Island on which we live and work as we seek new ways to give back to our customers, community and protect our Island environment.
This commitment is a legacy entrenched across WightFibre, guiding our ethos and core values every day, in all we do.
2015
Click4Internet Acquired
A significant step forward for WightFibre, that enabled the company to extend its superfast broadband coverage to more of the Isle of Wight, especially in more rural and hard-to-reach parts of the Island.
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2016
Child of Wight Awards
We first sponsored the Child of Wight Awards in 2016 and are proud to have continued to support the awards for a decade now. Recognising their bravery, academic excellence, sporting prowess, community service, and other accomplishments through 11 different categories.
Learn More2016
Business Expo Sponsored by WightFibre
The Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce Business EXPO has become a highlight on the calendar for entrepreneurs and professionals on the Island with WightFibre first sponsoring the event in 2016.
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2016
WightFibre Host Rural Forum
Following a National Audit office report that the rural broadband rollout was ‘seriously flawed’ including failed objectives by BT Openreach, WightFibre hosted a Rural Business Forum at Tapnell Farm. Bringing together representatives across the rural community to discuss the issue and give their views on the effect across rural parts of the Island.
Considering what more could be done to ensure that rural communities on the Island had access to the broadband and communication services they needed.
2016
Fuss Free Phones Launched
In 2016 WightFibre launched the Fuss Free Phone service. As the name suggested this looked to take all the fuss out of using a mobile phone through a unique telephonist-based concierge-style service making connection with loved ones easier. Blocking nuisance and scam calls by having real people to help with every call and any situation.
2016
WightFibre Fleet Grows
WightFibre has always had a commitment to supporting local businesses and the environment, part of our ‘because we care' ethos.
Something reflected in the purchase of four new Ford Transit vans, with fuel-efficient, low emission advanced TDCi engines from Premier Ford. The new vehicles increasing the size and flexibility of the WightFibre fleet, as the company expanded its team of service and installation engineers including three new apprentices now joining the WightFibre Team.
2016
That's TV Debate
Following the success of the Rural Business Forum hosted by WightFibre, CEO John Irvine together with Jonathan Thornton, PC Consultants MD and James Attrill of the Country Landowners Association were invited for a live debate on Solent TV, a local TV channel for Portsmouth, Southampton, Winchester and the Isle of Wight.
Discussing the subject of how Rural Broadband boosts local economic development, and the many issues facing rural communities across the South through lack of broadband connectivity.
2016
Wootton Development Brings First 1000Mb Broadband
Working in partnership with the developer of ten new homes in Wootton, WightFibre achieved a first for the Island and a sign of things to come, laying fibre optic cable directly into the home to provide 1,000Mb broadband.
Enabling anyone buying one of these exclusive homes to download films within seconds, watch catch-up TV in multiple rooms and have no slowdowns or interruptions even at peak time. A demonstration of the power of WightFibre's cable network, compared to the twisted copper pairs of BT's ageing Island network.
2016
WightFibre Receive QIB Accreditation
WightFibre was one of the first companies on the Isle of Wight to receive the Quality In Business (QIB) Accreditation from the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce.
A kite mark for island businesses reflecting aspects of customer care, quality, training, and community standing through a self-assessment and on-site visit. An accreditation aligned with the British Chamber of Commerce that looked to recognise Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce members who meet rigorous quality standards in governance, resources, and services.
2016
Ben’s Imperial March
Continuing our Star Wars theme, WightFibre sponsored and supported Ben Allen as he trekked 150 miles from the Island to London, dressed as a Stormtrooper. Raising money for The Joe Ellis Trust. Our £1,000 donation and support vehicle helping Ben to raise a total of £6,054.
2016
Our highest speeds jumps to 152Mbps!
As demand for bandwidth intensified with the rise of 4K streaming, cloud services, and smart home devices, WightFibre upgraded its network to deliver speeds of up to 152Mb. The enhanced speeds ensured Isle of Wight residents could compete with mainland connectivity, supporting remote working, online gaming, and increasingly connected lifestyles.
2017
Official Launch of Gigabit Island
WightFibre’s ‘Gigabit Island’ project gets underway – a project that provides gigabit, full-fibre, future-proof broadband to homes and businesses across the Island, and one of the largest civil engineering projects on the Isle of Wight for 20 years.
The initial project represented a £35m investment in the Islands Broadband Infrastructure, giving the Island some of the fastest Broadband speeds in the world. Enabled by WightFibre being the first company in the country to receive investment from the government’s new Digital Infrastructure Investment Fund, launched by HM Treasury in July 2017.
2017
Digital Solent Conference
Cowes Yacht Haven was the venue for the Digital Solent Conference, with John Irvine of WightFibre invited to debate ‘The Digital Landscape’ as part of a panel including Andy Stafford-Clark, Chief Technology Officer at IBM and Dr.Jeffrey Starr from the University of Maryland.
The event looked to address key challenges facing the region, and business opportunities. With all panellists contributing as coaches for the tables of delegates, providing perspectives on the relevance, opportunity and resilience of aspects debated during the conference.
2017
Star Wars Premiere - The Last Jedi
The Force was once again strong for Star Wars: The Last Jedi, with 292 guests including local dignitaries and competition winners joining us at Cineworld, Newport for our official charity premiere.
From the VIP Reception, the auction once again proving popular with lots including a Stromtrooper helmet and chocolate R2D2 raising £4,548 for UKSA, followed by screening this latest film in the Star Wars saga.
2017
37 Employees
With the popularity of WightFibre increasing, so did the number of people working for the company, ensuring high standards of service as we worked to develop our fully fibre optic broadband network across the Island.
2018
WightFibre at the County Show
As both a headline sponsor and exhibitor, we have been proud to support the Royal Isle of Wight County Show. Where our ongoing support has helped to make the event possible, which has included providing free Wi-Fi across the showground. A show at which our new mobile store also made its debut at the following year and became a popular display for the thousands of visitors that attend the show each year.
In 2019 our support helped to bring The Household Cavalry to the show. With the regiment of 28 horses, 28 elite riders, 4 musicians, and 4 grooms put on a spectacular mounted display, with lots of pomp and pageantry.
2018
Gigabit Island Briefing a Great Success
Over 60 specially invited guests, including the Island’s Councillors, business leaders and the media, attended a special briefing from WightFibre at Cineworld, Newport.
Allowing the company to update stakeholders on the ‘Gigabit Island’ project and the success of the pilot areas of Gurnard Pines and Staplers, which were now complete. Also covered were the challenges faced and feedback from those adopting the new service, plus questions from those gathered at the event.
Updates were also provided on areas such as Ryde, Sandown, Lake and Shanklin that were seeing the rollout, together with the planning already taking place to bring Wootton, East Wight and Ventnor onto the network.
2018
40 Employees
As you would expect, with the launch of Gigabit Island, the number of people working across WightFibre started to rapidly increase to meet the demand for our full-fibre, future-proof, ultrafast broadband to homes and businesses across the Isle of Wight.
2018
Long Service Awards Launched
Our long service awards recognise employees with five, ten and fifteen years’ service with WightFibre. With each receiving a trophy, vouchers up the value of £500, and up to 3-days additional leave annually.
The first awards in 2018 recognising fourteen employees, having over 160 years of accumulated service to the company between them.
2018
WightFibre Join the Insitute of Customer Service
Following a rigorous accreditation process WightFibre became the first company on the Isle of Wight to become a member of The Institute of Customer Service (ICS) the UK's independent professional customer service body.
Through the Institute, WightFibre has access to unrivalled training for employee’s, independent research and pan-sector knowledge sharing. Enabling the company to develop employees’ skills and business service strategy.
2019
Smart Island Live at CECAMM
An event held at CECAMM, East Cowes and supported by WightFibre, focusing on helping businesses improve efficiency and sustainability through technology.
With John Irvine asked to present to the over 200 people attending on the ‘Gigabit Island’ project, and the WightFibre team on-hand throughout the event in the exhibition area to engage with delegates and answer any questions.
2019
WightFibre Mobile Store Arrives
Our new Mobile Store arrived on the Island, bringing the full WightFibre Gigabit Island experience to communities across the Isle of Wight, with the opportunity to experience WightFibre’s full-fibre, ultrafast network and try before you buy.
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2019
Advertising Evolution: Because we care
In 2019, WightFibre launched advertising campaigns reflecting our 'Because We Care' ethos, established in 2015. These ads brought our core value to life visually, showcasing our commitment to customers, employees, and the Island community. The campaigns emphasized how caring extends beyond service—protecting our environment and giving back locally.
2019
Plume Launched by WightFibre
Plume provided a service platform that enhanced WightFibre’s full-fibre broadband, giving customers control through the Plume App.
Features include Adaptive WiFi™, customised guest access, advanced parental controls and AI Security™, helping households enjoy fast, consistent and secure connectivity throughout the home.
2019
900Mbps becomes our highest speed package!
In conjunction with the rollout of Gigabit Island and the full fibre network, WightFibre achieved speeds of up to 900Mb. This full-fibre deployment replaced older copper-based connections with future-proof fibre-optic cables running directly to homes and businesses, positioning the Island as one of the best-connected rural communities in the UK.
2019
Star Wars Premiere - The Rise of Skywalker
Our biggest Star Wars Official Charity event to date, raising £7,158 and taking our total to over £15,000 for UKSA. VIP guests walked the red carpet and rubbed shoulders with characters from the popular film series including Darth Vader, Storm Troopers and Hans Solo, before moving into Screen 1 to take their seats. The event dedicated to Simon Poole, WightFibres’ Chief Operating Officer, who tragically lost his life only a few days prior to the event.
The highlight of the auction a framed Medal of Yavin with film cells from Star Wars IV: A New Hope, plus guest appearance from actor Nick Joseph who took part in this iconic film.
2020
Advertising Evolution: Fantasy
WightFibre's fantasy advertising featured quirky, eye-catching characters that captured attention. These whimsical campaigns addressed the fundamental need for market awareness, educating audiences about new technology jargon in an approachable, memorable way that cut through technical complexity with playful creativity.
2020
Fibre laid to 15,000 premises
Fibre infrastructure was rolled out to 15,000 premises across the Island, meaning thousands of homes and businesses became ready for service. This milestone marked a significant step forward in building a faster, more reliable broadband network.
2020
WiFi NOW Award ‘Best In-home Wi-Fi product’
WightFibre’s ‘Whole-home Wi-Fi’ Powered by Plume received the ‘Best In-home Wi-Fi product’ award at the Wi-Fi NOW Awards during a two-hour virtual special gala event hosted by Wi-Fi NOW.
The event recognised the relationship between WightFibre and Plume to deliver their Consumer Experience Management Platform to WightFibre customers across the Island.
2020
72 Employees
By 2020 and due to the success of Gigabit Island, the size of the WightFibre team had increased to 72, an 80% increase from just two-years earlier.
2020
Connected Communities Programme Launches
The WightFibre Connected Communities Programme was specifically developed to support the important work of local, small to medium sized not-for-profit and community focused groups and charities across the Island.
Learn More2022
WightFibre Achieve 'Service Mark with Distinction' from the Institute of Customer Service
WightFibre receives the coveted ‘Service Mark with Distinction’ the highest level of accreditation awarded by the ICS and held by just 16 organisations in the UK at that time, this followed membership in 2018.
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2022
WightFibre Receive Investors in People Silver Accreditation
An accreditation confirming that WightFibre is a great place to work, and work that is enjoyable and rewarding.
With Investors in People finding that WightFibre “As an organisation has one single value ‘Because We Care’. This single value is at the core of everything you do and is branded across the organisation. There is robust evidence that you truly care for your people.”
2022
Advertising Evolution: 3D Graphics
WightFibre introduced striking 3D artwork into marketing materials, bringing the brand to life in a modern and memorable way.
These bold visuals helped stand out in a crowded market, adding depth and dimension that captured attention and elevated the brand's presence with contemporary creative impact.
2022
Celebrating 10,000 customer connections
Mr Charlton, from Ryde was delighted to receive a brand new Samsung TV from WightFibre as a surprise gift to celebrate him becoming the 10,000th customer.
Marking this important milestone in the company’s new full-fibre rollout, and confirming the company was well on its way to becoming the No 1 broadband provider on the Island.
2022
First ISP to Switch off Old Copper Network
Completion of our Big Copper Switch-off, a full 10 years ahead of the rest of the UK. Confirming that WightFibre’s entire network is now fully optical right into the customer premises.
Each home and business having its own dedicated fibre optic cables – meaning more reliablility, no sharing with neighbours and providing world-class broadband speeds.
2022
Social Tariff Scheme Launched
We were one of the first broadband providers to launch a ‘Social Tariff’ aimed at low-income households on benefits.
WightFibre was the very first broadband company in the UK to use the DWP online eligibility checker, making it easier and less intrusive for customers to access our new ‘Social Tariff’. Creating a more empowered, confident and cohesive community, where no one is left behind.
2022
99 Employees
With 10,000 customer connections being celebrated, WightFibre continued to expand its team across all departments.
Ensuring the high standards of service expected by all customers was not only maintained but continuously improved upon. Reflected in team numbers reaching 116 just one year later.
2022
WightFibre Sponsor Business Awards
Following past sponsorship of specific award categories WightFibre became the main sponsor of the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce Business Awards and its annual Gala event. A three year commitment to the awards which reflects our dedication to make the Chamber Business Awards a highlight of the Island’s business calendar.
The Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce Business Awards stand as testament to the Island’s vibrant business community. Something as multi-award winners WightFibre both understand and works hard to support as another example of our ‘because we care’ ethos.
2023
Fibre laid to 57,000 premises
The fibre network expanded to cover 57,0000 premises across the Island, bringing full-fibre infrastructure within reach of the vast majority of homes and businesses and transforming access to high-speed connectivity.
2023
WightFibre Sponsor UKSA Test the Water Programme
Our four year sponsorship of the UKSA Test the Water Programme, enabled EVERY Year 6 child across the Island to gain water-confidence. Within this they gained life skills such as communication and resilience and developed confidence, in addition to better understanding the importance of our marine habitat and its wildlife.
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2023
Green Impact Award Success
The Green Impact Awards are a national initiative led by SOS-UK and recognise the steps being taken by businesses and individuals striving to create more sustainable working environments.
The Green Impact scheme provides a toolkit with over 190 actions that businesses can choose from to improve their environmental performance and reduce operational costs.
2023
Tackling Graffiti Through Art
Rather than installing plain white cabinets that only add to existing street furniture and attract graffiti, we commissioned Emma Goss and Hollie Jackson of Community Murals, a local CIC, to create artwork for our cabinets.
Learn More2024
WightFibre reach 21,000 total customers connected
Since its inception, WightFibre has connected 21,000 customers across the Island. Each connection represents a household or business embracing faster, more reliable full-fibre broadband, and together they show how the network has grown to meet the digital needs of the community.
2023
Advertising Evolution: Hyperlocal Connection
WightFibre's hyper-local advertising campaign championed community connectivity by featuring iconic Island landmarks as central design elements.
These ads reinforced WightFibre as the Island's own provider, celebrating local pride and regional identity. The approach created unmistakable recognition, connecting the brand deeply with the community it serves.
2024
WightFibre Retain Coveted ‘Service Mark with Distinction’ Status
After a lengthy re-qualification process with almost all employees and 745 customers interviewed WightFibre retained their coveted ‘Service Mark with Distinction’ status, and for the second time in succession. The only broadband company and one of only 25 nationally.
2024
ISO 27001 (2002) Accreditation Achieved
Following an extensive audit process we received ISO 27001 Certification, the standard for implementing, maintaining, and continuously improving an Information Security Management System (ISMS).
Recognition of the people, processes and technology within WightFibre, and confirming that our approach to handling and safeguarding information is consistent and fully aligned with industry best practice.
2024
Advertising Evolution: Testimonials
WightFibre's testimonial advertising featured real community voices sharing genuine experiences. These ads and marketing videos showcased authentic opinions from Island residents, creating relatable and trustworthy messaging. By highlighting real people and their stories, the campaign demonstrated WightFibre's impact on the community through honest, unfiltered feedback.
2025
Huge Success at the IW Chamber Business Awards
WightFibre was named Business of the Year at the Isle of Wight Chamber Business Awards. This prestigious award is testament to the company's overall excellence, growth and significant contributions to the local economy.
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2025
Advertising Evolution: WightFibre For...
The 'WightFibre For...' campaigns reflected a mature, trusted brand with refined, data-driven messaging. These emotionally intelligent ads focused on specific market segments, demonstrating how the technology meets distinct needs.
This targeted approach showcased understanding of diverse customer requirements, positioning WightFibre as a sophisticated solution provider.
2025
Investors in People Gold Accreditation Achieved
We were proud to receive Gold accreditation in 2025, following Silver in 2022, Investors In People (IIP) highlighting that the success of WightFibre begins and ends with our people. Constantly reminding us of our commitment to make WightFibre a great place to work.
An accreditation confirming that we demonstrate not only the right principles but also that they are "lived day to day" across the entire business. Reflected consistently to create a culture where people feel informed, supported and able to thrive - validating our ‘because we care’ ethos.
2025
Celebrating 25,000th Customer Connection
On June 18th, 2025 Noemi Pataki of Ryde became our 25,000th customer! A significant milestone and one that we wanted to celebrate. With Noemi receiving a brand new laptop and mobile phone, which was presented personally by our Residential Sales Advisor, Matthew Lovett, who assisted her when signing up.
Learn More2025
ISO 14001 (2015) Accreditation Achieved
ISO14001 (2015) is the internationally recognised standard for Environmental Management Systems. Systems based on best practice principles that allow us to understand, measure, and manage our environmental impacts.
Certification confirming our approach and guiding our environmental strategy as we continue to do more to protect the Islands environment and delicate ecosystem.
2025
Success at the INCA Awards
The INCA Awards recognise achievements in the independent broadband sector with WightFibre receiving two awards: Best Social Value, highlighting our commitment to the Islands community, and Customer Acquisition - reflecting our success in attracting high levels of new customers.
In addition, we were also shortlisted for Technical Innovation reflecting our outstanding full-fibre, future-proof infrastructure.
2025
119 Employees
As WightFibre celebrated connecting its 25,000th customer to the network, the number of employees reached 119, all based at our Cowes HQ. A testament to supporting employment on the Isle of Wight.
2025
Double Win at ISPA Awards
WightFibre was named ‘Best Rural Internet Service Provider’ and ‘Best Fibre Infrastructure’ at the 2025 ISPA Awards, held at City Central at the HAC. The awards testimony to our work in delivering high-quality broadband to rural communities and industry leading fibre infrastructure across the Isle of Wight.
Learn More2025
74,000 Premises ready for WightFibre
Fibre has now been laid to 74,000 premises across the Island, bringing thousands more homes and businesses within reach of full-fibre broadband.
This milestone marks another step towards widespread high-speed connectivity, giving communities the opportunity to enjoy faster, more reliable internet and paving the way for the Island’s digital future.
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Join our digital time capsule for a chance to win!
To celebrate 25 years of WightFibre, we’re inviting you to share your stories and photos for our digital time capsule! Simply fill out the form below to gain an extra entry into our monthly prize draws with a chance to win £1,000, £2,000 or £5,000.
