Fibre to the Premises broadband update
Into the new year and we’re just 41 days from the FTTP scheme closing.
The good news is that we’re within spitting distance of the finishing line. I now have pledges that take us to 94% (worth £317,560) of Openreach’s government funding target of around £338,000.
I had previously said that homes were worth £1500 in government funding while businesses were worth £3500. However, in watching pledges come in, homes seem to be worth approximately £2000, and businesses appear to be valued at close to £4000.
In other words, I need just 10 more homes or five businesses – or any mix thereof – to pledge. As it stands, less than one third of the parish has pledged.
If you’re still on the fence about the benefits of FTTP, let me sum them up:
It’s markedly faster: Depending on the package taken with an internet provider, homes should be able to download at speeds of upto 1gb. I suspect the average in the parish is somewhere between 30-50mb. Video streaming, gaming, Zoom etc. will be faster and more responsive.
It’s more reliable: 100-year-old technology that is copper will be removed in favour of pure digital. FTTP isn’t perfect, but its cabling won’t corrode and isn’t subject to RF interference.
It can offer a cash saving: The installation cost will be **fully** met by government funding. I have shown some residents that their current internet provider offers poor value, service and speeds. A new provider (Openreach allows any) may offer a better deal. Also, if the landline is no longer needed, it can be disconnected; FTTP doesn’t require it.
It adds value to homes: FTTP is now a prized utility that homebuyers look for when considering where to move to.
Residents should be able to upgrade to a new contract with their internet service provider even if they are mid-contract.
Pledges can be made via https://www.openreach.com/fibre-broadband/fibre-community-partnership/connect-my-community.
As I’ve said, before, please help me to help you. Speak to your neighbours and ask them if they’ve pledged. I cannot bring FTTP to the parish without pledges.
If you’ve any questions, contact me – I’m not on FaceBook – and I’ll help with answers.
