Woodgreen Parish Council – Community Fibre Partnership Proposal To Deliver Full Fibre Broadband to Residential and Business Premises in Woodgreen
Introduction
The Parish Council is sponsoring a proposed expansion of Broadband to deliver Full Fibre Broadband to all residential and business premises in the village. Working with Openreach a Community Partnership Scheme will be designed to provide the required fibre cabling direct to each participating property. Funding to support the scheme is being made available through the Government’s Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme and Hampshire County Council’s Broadband programme.
Present Position
In 2019 as part of the Hampshire Superfast Broadband Scheme additional infrastructure was built to increase the broadband download speeds available to Woodgreen properties. The connections between the green roadside cabinets and each property are via the existing telephone lines. The exceptions are properties from the common up to and including Densome Corner. Because of the distance from the cabinet these properties had fibre to the premises (FTTP) installed and already have gigabit capable broadband available.
All other properties are deemed to have access to “Superfast Broadband” (defined as having a minimum download speed of 24mbps). However, the maximum download speeds achievable are variable and many properties do not receive the minimum guaranteed download speeds. There are a number reasons for this including distance from the cabinet, the condition of the phone lines and issues with internal wiring in a property.
Benefits of the Community Partnership Scheme
The principal benefits of the Community scheme are:
• All Woodgreen premises that participate will have full fibre broadband available.
• The problems occasioned by distance from the roadside cabinet and integrity of the telephone cabling will be avoided.
• Fibre is capable of providing download speeds which are up to 24 times faster than the current UK average of 46mbps
• Multiple users will be able to access the internet at the same time without compromising each others activity.
• It will be possible for more people to work from home in the knowledge that a fast reliable internet service is available.
• It will enable people living alone or a long way from their family and friends to maintain contact through video conferencing applications such as ZOOM.
• Online video appointments with a family doctor, hospital consultant or other professional will be possible.
Openreach Community Fibre Partnership – How it Works
A Group Scheme has been registered with Openreach. The next step is to let Openreach know which premises would like to get upgraded to fibre. This is done on behalf of each participant via an online community portal. Once submitted Openreach start the modelling work to deliver an indicative price – there is no obligation at this time. If affordable the parish council will sign a contract on behalf of those participating. Openreach will then install fibre to each participating property.
How To Join The Scheme
Complete and return the FTTP form attached to Cllr Benest (lance.benest@woodgreen-pc.gov.uk or address as noted on form) by Friday 19th February 2021. A list of FAQs is also attached for your reference.
For those unable to complete the form online please just send the following information to lance.benest@woodgreen-pc.gov.uk via Email.
Name
Postcode
House name or number
Landline