BT published its plans recently for the government-funded fibre project and it’s mixed news for our area.  Fibre is needed to get even moderately good speeds, not just fast and superfast, in our area (because we’re a long way from the telephone exchange and copper wire broadband slows down with distance), so this will benefit a lot of people and it’s really important that everyone gets the option.

Fibre-optic broadband will be available to most households in our area that want it by 31st March and most of the rest during 2014.  But a few will wait longer, and some may not get it at all on this project. The details we know at present are below.  

If you want to get fibre in your area, please:

• Check the timetable below to see whether it should be available
• Read our quick guide Fibre-intro which tells you what the options are and how to find out for (reasonably) sure what’s available
• If it’s not available, take our survey and register your needs for broadband with us – we’ll pass the overall numbers on to BT and the Council
• If you’re not satisfied with the timetable, contact us to help us campaign!

 

The Schedule

It’s important to note that the schedule is NOT guaranteed.  The work may prove easier or more difficult than expected, so the overall timetable may slip, or individual small areas may be moved between phases.  At present, the schedule is:

• Phase 1: July – December 2014
• Phase 3: January – June 2015
• Phase 8: NOT fibre.  Some speed-up to 2mbps on copper cables – in 2016!
• Flats anywhere: by negotiation with the owners of the building.  Please let Jenni Ferrans know if you need that resolved.

Kents Hill

• All existing roads supposed to be covered by 31st March 2014
• Except Bedgebury Place – discussions about to start

Monkston

• Most supposed to be covered by 31st March 2014, except:
• Bridlington Crescent some of nos 1-9 and 2-22, and all of nos 11+ and 24+, Abbeydore Grove, Aylesford Grove, high numbers in Stanbrook Place, Tynemouth Rise, Leominster Gate, St Helen’s Grove to be covered in Phase 1.
• The rest of Bridlington Crescent 1-9 and 2-22, Ealing Chase, Tewkesbury Lane, Woodspring Court, Penmon Grove to be covered in Phase 3
• Blanchland Circle nos 75-171 and all even numbers and St Bartholomews odd numbers,  Brinkburn Place, Parkminster and Flaxley Gate to be covered in Phase 1
• Lilleshall Ave, Chirbury Close, Boxgrove Close, Malton Close to be covered in Phase 1
• Kilwinning Drive some already covered. Higher numbers of the rest and Waverley Croft to be covered in Phase 1.  The rest to be covered in Phase 3.  Exact split awaited!

Monkston Park

• Most to be covered by 31st March 2014 except:
• Part of Canonbury to be covered in Phase 1

Walnut Tree

• Most to be covered by 31st March 2014 except:
• Lichfield Down nos. 10-110 and 41-73 and Wadesmill Lane, Bourton Low, Caraway Close, Harebell Close, Rosebay Close, Coriander Court, Tamarisk Court, Khasiaberry, Nutmeg Close, Paprika Court, Hockliffe Brae, Spearmint Close, Twyford Lane, Meadowsweet and Camomile Court to be covered in Phase 1
• Tamworth Stubb, Cinnamon Grove, Celadine Court, Sandbrier Close, Samphire Court, Berberis Close, Tatling Grove, Cloudberry, Tarragon Close, Twinflower, and part of Boxberry Gardens are in Phase 1.
• Parts of  Walton Road, Boxberry Gardens, Pinfold, Honeysuckle Court will be covered in Phase 1, but parts are in Phase 8. Exact split on these awaited!

Walton Grange

• Every street in Walton Grange is marked as split between Phase 1 and Phase 8.  We think that’s technically impossible – so we’re pressing for details!
• New houses finished after the start of August will not necessarily be covered at all.
• We’re campaigning for the whole estate to be cabled with at least fast broadband speeds – this is the part of the ward where copper cable speeds are lowest.

Walton Park

• BT claim that fibre is available throughout Walton Park.  Please let us know if that’s not the case

Walton Hall

• The houses near the OU are not mentioned at all – BT appear to have forgotten about them.  We’ve reminded them!  We’re waiting to hear.