Bentswood Hub gets free full-fibre broadband from nexfibre

nexfibre has connected Bentswood Hub in Haywards Heath to free full-fibre broadband through Virgin Media O2 as part of a partnership with UK Youth.

The youth centre will receive broadband speeds of up to 2Gbps for two years at no charge, supporting internet access for education, communication and digital skills activities.

Bentswood Hub works with young people aged seven to 18 and also provides emotional support groups, training, work experience opportunities and other community services. The connection is part of a broader scheme giving youth centres across the UK access to nexfibre's network.

The programme had already been set to cover up to 1,000 youth centres. Following nexfibre's acquisition of Netomnia, eligibility has expanded by a further 456 centres.

According to UK Youth research cited by the partners, digital infrastructure remains one of the most urgent funding pressures facing youth organisations and ranks among the sector's top three financial support needs.

At Bentswood Hub, the new line has already supported a virtual reality evening run with Hype VR. The centre has also received online safety advice and resources from Internet Matters, including information on tools and controls for safer internet access.

Anna Sharkey, Chief Executive Officer of Bentswood Hub, said: "We are excited to benefit from nexfibre and Virgin Media O2's services here at Bentswood Hub so we can better support our young people."

Digital access

The partnership reflects a wider push by telecoms groups and charities to address unequal access to reliable internet services in local communities. For youth organisations, connectivity increasingly shapes how they provide homework support, skills sessions and access to online services.

Rajiv Datta, Chief Executive Officer of nexfibre, said: "Digital poverty is a serious issue in the UK, and at nexfibre, we are committed to playing our part in tackling it. Full-fibre broadband is critical to broader economic growth by providing better access to education, employment and life-changing opportunities.

"Through our partnership with UK Youth, I'm delighted to see Bentswood Hub benefitting from our full-fibre network, bringing essential digital infrastructure to the local community. By investing in the next generation, we're providing them the tools they need to thrive in a modern economy."

UK Youth said poor infrastructure and limited training continue to restrict what many youth groups can offer. Many young people also face gaps in IT skills and a lack of suitable spaces to build them.

Rosie Ferguson OBE, Chief Executive Officer of UK Youth, said: "We are really pleased that nexfibre is bringing enhanced connectivity and digital access to Bentswood Hub, as part of our partnership. Digital poverty remains a significant problem across the UK, and prevents youth organisations such as Bentswood Hub from fully addressing the needs of the young people they serve. We look forward to seeing this partnership empower the next generation of Bentswood, Haywards Heath, ensuring they can thrive in an increasingly digital world."

Wider rollout

Backed by GBP £4.5 billion in equity and debt, nexfibre has been building fibre infrastructure in suburban and semi-rural parts of the UK. Virgin Media O2 is the anchor wholesale internet service provider on the network.

Under the youth centre scheme, participating organisations are being offered at least 1Gbps full-fibre broadband, with the option to increase to 2Gbps and add more access points where needed. Bentswood Hub is among the first named sites to receive the service through the initiative.

Nicola Green, Chief Communications and Corporate Affairs Officer at Virgin Media O2, said: "We know how important it is to be connected, and that's why we're proudly providing Virgin Media O2's gigabit broadband to Bentswood Hub for free.

"This lightning-fast connection will help young people in Bentswood, Haywards Heath, get online, get help with their homework and build digital skills, helping them to thrive now and in the future."