Complex cable-laying to bring fibre broadband to Isles of Scilly

Preparations to bring fibre optic broadband to the Isles of Scilly have been challenging, but work has been successful and the islands are now ready for the arrival of the high-speed technology.

The laying of cables to the area will be difficult due to the surrounding marine environment, but according to BT's Programme Director of Cornwall Superfast Broadband Ranulf Scarborough, contractors are now able to carry out this work, the Cornishman reports.

He said: "When it was announced, it was regarded as one of the most difficult and complicated in European waters for some years and perhaps anywhere in the world."

In light of this, Mr Scarborough added it was "a tremendous engineering feat".

He explained cables would be laid around 100 kilometres offshore via a remote submarine before being reeled in to Porthcressa Beach.

Despite the challenges involved in the cable-laying process, homes and businesses in St Mary's, St Agnes, St Martin's, Tresco, Pentle Bay, Bryher and Bant's Carn are set to be transformed by receiving a connection to the superfast service, as they will be able to complete online tasks much faster than before.