WeLink boosts wireless network for households, businesses across Edinburg
A new kind of broadband piloted in Edinburgh’s Old and New Towns is being scaled up across the city, giving more households and businesses a wireless alternative to mainstream internet service providers and endless roadworks. WeLink Communications is expanding its carrier-grade coverage to 27,500 premises, representing a fourfold increase in the size of the fifth-generation network. The first areas to benefit from the rollout are Summerhall and Calton Hill.
Launched in summer 2021, the Edinburgh pilot service in the UK delivers gigabit-capable speeds via WeLink’s millimetre wave technology. The approach avoids the disruption and delay of having to dig up streets and can deploy fast connectivity, even in a World Heritage Site.
During the pilot scheme, the service achieved symmetrical speeds in excess of 1.3 gigabits.
WeLink uses above ground, accessible kit that can be constantly upgraded; it transmits a tiny fraction of the power compared to mainstream 5G equipment and will soon be capable of delivering speeds up to 10 gigabits.
Although Edinburgh has above average availability of gigabit broadband at 87.9%, a number of premises in the city – 6,107 – cannot get 30 megabits per second. This is considered to be the minimum required standard for fast downloads, high quality video conferencing, easy access to streaming services and multiple users.
WeLink early adopters are able to stream HD content without pausing or buffering, download and upload large files in seconds and use multiple connected devices at the same time. They include Kashif Mahmood, a senior test analyst at one of Edinburgh’s known investment managers, who says “It’s like going from driving a Ford Fiesta to a Formula 1 racing car.”
The broadband provider with the most users in Edinburgh also happens to be in the top three most complained-about providers in Britain. The main causes for complaints are faults, services and provisioning, complaints handling and billing, pricing, and charges.
Natalie Duffield, CEO of WeLink Communications UK, says “We’re thrilled to be expanding our wireless network in Edinburgh to give more households and businesses an alternative to mainstream internet service providers and endless roadworks.
“The success of our pilot scheme in the Old and New Towns has proved the concept and given us the confidence to invest in growing our coverage. We have seen very high levels of interest from residents in all parts of Edinburgh who want faster speeds than they are currently able to receive so we know the demand is here.
“Broadband is vital for modern life and with rising bills, Edinburgh households and businesses need to make sure they are getting full value for money and a decent standard of customer service from their suppliers. We pride ourselves on providing friendly service at a fair price and if you need to get in touch, you can actually speak to us on the phone.”
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