Thame is set to become the first community in the UK to benefit from a new gigabit-speed broadband network from Teleauora, bringing next-generation connectivity to businesses and residents in underserved parts of the Oxfordshire market town.
The launch marks a significant milestone for the broadband provider and the beginning of a wider national rollout aimed at improving digital connectivity in market towns, rural communities and areas that have traditionally been overlooked by major infrastructure projects.
Using Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) technology powered by award-winning 5G mmWave infrastructure, Teleauora says it can deliver gigabit-speed broadband without the need for extensive roadworks, trenching or lengthy installation programmes often associated with conventional fibre deployments.
The company believes this approach will allow communities to access faster and more reliable broadband sooner, while reducing disruption and environmental impact.
For Thame’s businesses, improved connectivity could support a range of day-to-day operations, including cloud-based services, online bookings, card payment systems, VoIP communications, customer Wi-Fi, security systems and remote working.
Grant Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Teleauora, described the launch as an important moment for both the company and the town.
“We’re really proud of this milestone for Teleauora, and it’s equally an exciting step for Thame. Our first UK network is set to deliver faster broadband, giving underserved communities the digital confidence to compete, grow and plan for the future.”
Teleauora specialises in providing connectivity solutions for communities that may not be prioritised by traditional broadband infrastructure programmes. The company says its network has been designed to be fast, resilient and capable of supporting future smart-town and smart-city applications alongside current connectivity needs.
The service will be offered with no installation fees and no mid-contract price increases, according to the provider.
Smith added:
“We believe underserved communities deserve equivalent access to innovative connectivity capability. Thame is just the start, but our ambition is national. We’re committed to building networks that help people work, trade, learn, connect and grow.”
The project has been supported by the Oxfordshire County Council Digital Infrastructure Programme (DIP), which has worked with Teleauora since early 2025 to identify connectivity gaps across the county and explore potential solutions.
The programme helped identify broadband “not-spots” in and around Thame, facilitated introductions with local stakeholders, and provided support around surveys, infrastructure deployment and access to existing ducting routes.
Craig Bower, Director of Oxfordshire County Council’s Digital Infrastructure Programme, welcomed the investment.
“We are pleased to support Teleauora’s investment in Thame, which reflects our wider ambition to improve digital inclusion, economic resilience and future-ready infrastructure across Oxfordshire.”
He added:
“Reliable, high-speed connectivity is essential for local businesses, residents and community services. We welcome innovative approaches like this that can accelerate delivery and help underserved areas access the broadband they need, with minimal disruption to the local community.”
Residents and businesses interested in the service can check postcode availability and register their interest through Teleauora as the rollout progresses.
The launch positions Thame at the forefront of a new approach to broadband delivery, with the town becoming the first testbed for a technology that Teleauora hopes to expand across underserved communities throughout the UK.
