Welcome to the CB&H FTTP ProjectTHE COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP VOUCHER SCHEME DESCRIBED ON THIS WEB PAGE IS CURRENTLY FROZEN HAVING BEEN SUPERSEDED BY "PROJECT GIGABIT". PROJECT GIGABIT SEES FTTP BEING DELIVERED THROUGH A SET OF NATIONWIDE CONTRACTS ENABLED BY 'Building Digital UK (BDUK) - AN EXECUTIVE AGENCY OF THE DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY (DSIT). PLEASE REFER TO THE Latest News COLUMN TO THIS PAGE. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON PROJECT GIGABIT GO TO THIS PAGE. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON WESSEX INTERNET WHO WILL BE BUILDING FTTP IN OUR AREA GO TO THIS PAGE Here you will find information about the project to bring Ultrafast (more than 100 Mb/s and up to 1Gb/s) Broadband to all the properties inside the area of CB & H who would like it. The properties within our villages are connected to the Coombe Bissett exchange and have slow to medium, sometimes unreliable broadband connections. A government initiative (Fibre to the Premises - FTTP) is providing a grant of £1500 for every household (£3500 for each business) in a community expressing interest in having Superfast Broadband. If enough of us express an interest, then Openreach will conduct a technical survey to assess the costs. If we have sufficient households signed up, the project will go ahead at no cost to us - the grants will be paid once work is complete by the government department, DCMS, direct to Openreach. Ultrafast Broadband will transform our villages making them even more desirable places to live and work. Specifically, it will:
The first step is for as many of us as possible to register an interest to see whether it is worth pursuing the initiative with Openreach. To register your interest, please send your name, telephone number, and home address (with postcode) to: [email protected]. Initially, only your address will be sent to Openreach once we have all the responses. All your personal details will be stored securely. Your only commitment (to DCMS), once your home has been connected to the fibre network, will be to take out a new fibre contract with the internet service provider (ISP) of your choice. For more info or questions fo get in touch - see Contacts and Links. To navigate around this website just click on the links in the menu bar to visit the relevant page. Many pages have links to external websites that you might find interesting / useful. You are probably wondering why the CB&H FTTP Project exists well, a little history on the UK Government Position on Full-Fibre Broadband will make it clear. |
Latest News12 Sep 24 - Project Gigabit in South Wilts Begins Wessex Internet began ground works in Stapleford as part of their Project Gigabit implementation in South Wilts. As yet there is no news as to when work will begin in CB&H 4 Apr 24 - Contractor Selected It has been confirmed the government has awarded an £18 million Project Gigabit contract to Wessex Internet to deliver full fibre broadband to around, 14,500 homes and businesses in South Wiltshire. To check if your home is covered use the postcode checker at https://www.wessexinternet.com/ Wessex Internet’s first phase until Dec 24 is to cost fully the project and to negotiate contracts with landowners across South Wiltshire to lay their fibre optic ‘pipelines’ through their fields. Wessex Internet are not using the existing Openreach fibre network or their green cabinets. An entirely new network has to be laid and built. The roll out plan will take up to 5 years. We have no visibility of that roll out plan or where CB&H sits in the order of priority. 19 Oct 23 - Council Responds Richard Clewer informs us that: the competition being run by Building Digital UK (BDUK) for a contractor to deliver Project Gigabit in Wiltshire continues - aiming to complete between Oct and Dec. He believes most of the post codes in our villages will be included but if not he would welcome our existing voucher scheme when this becomes "unfrozen". 21 Jun 23 - Wiltshire Council Engaged We wrote to Richard Clewer, Leader Wiltshire Council, for similar update. Given a holding reply we chased this again on 25 Sep 23. Jun 23 - MP for Salisbury Engaged Being unable to obtain any information about the villages being included in the new Project Gigabit we have engaged Mr Glen our local MP to approach DCMS to find out if and when we will be included. Dec 22 - Scheme Formally Paused We are informed that Project Gigabit will supersede our DCMS Gigabit Voucher Scheme. Project on hold pending Wiltshire Council contractor competition and development of county-wide roll out plans. 30 Jun 22 - Project Paused The Openreach Liaison Officer informed us that our Community Partnership application is paused while the Govt decide how to roll out a new "Project Gigabit" programme which would render our project void. 22 Jun 22 - Opening discussion with BT Openreach Liaison Officer. Studying the initial costings from BT Openreach it is clear that some of our addresses have been inexplicably excluded and they have duplicated others. We are now in conversation with them to resolve these inconsistencies. When this is done there'll be a ground survey to provide detailed costings which may take at least 3 months. Thereafter the time lag to starting actual work is expected to be around 18 months. 15 Jun 22 - BT Openreach Initial Estimate Received
Finally we received a letter providing us with an initial paper based estimate of the costs of installing FTTP to the villages. The good news is that so long as we all convert our registered interest into committed vouchers the project appears affordable. However it will take longer than expected due to massive increase in demand. 12 May 22 - 'Chaser' sent to BT Openreach
It is now 47 working days (far exceeding BT Openreach's promise of 28) since we opened our account. We are chasing them to complete their initial paper estimate of costs. It seems they are delayed by a significant increase in demand for projects like ours. 7 Mar 22 - BT Openreach Account Opened
Great to report that we have nearly 180 premises expressing interest. With this number we are hopeful that we will have enough vouchers to ask BT Openreach to install FTTP in the villages at no cost to us. It will, of course, all hinge on BTO’s installation estimate. To find out what that might be we have opened our online account with them and uploaded our list of interested premises. The next step is for BTO to carry out a paper estimate within 28 working days. 18 Feb 22 - Milestone 150
Fabulous that this morning we hit 150 premises expressing an interest in the project. Still need more though - keep 'em coming and we'll soon be there...... 15 Jan 22 - "Getting There" Thank you to all who've expressed interest so far. After a slight dip over the Christmas break I'm happy to report a pick up in the New Year. We are now at140 homes and businesses having registered an interest. There are well over a hundred homes that could still register. We do need them - so please, please encourage neighbours and friends in the village to lend their support. 10 Dec 21 IT’S A CENTURY!! - We’ve reached 100 premises with a registered interest. But we need more to make it an affordable project and potentially there’s at least another 150 premises that could join in. So please keep it up and tell as many neighbours, friends and businesses in our community as you can. 2 Dec 21 Already we have 65 premises expressing interest. This is a flying start to the project! Keep it up and tell all your friends and neighbours please. 25 Nov 21 Project Launch. Information flyer published in CB & H Express and posted on village notice boards |
The UK Government Position on Full-Fibre Broadband
The government once proposed that full-fibre broadband coverage would be available to all UK homes by 2033. This was subsequently brought forward by Prime Minister Johnson, during his election campaign, to 2025. The Government has now back-tracked again and rather than commit to the 2025 deadline, now only says it will achieve nationwide coverage "as soon as possible". In the current economic climate we can all guess what this means.
Therefore, in reality, it is going to be years before full-fibre broadband is installed in CB&H if we just wait for it to happen. We cannot wait that long as our lives and businesses now rely on fast internet access and it is going to be even more important and necessary to have a fast and reliable service in the future.
Fortunately there is another option, the Government Broadband Voucher Scheme and this is the way we will be able to get full-fibre Broadband installed in CB&H in about 18 months, probably sooner.
The Broadband Voucher Scheme
To accelerate the roll-out of Ultrafast Broadband, particularly into rural areas (like CB&H), that would normally have to wait many years to have it installed, the Government has introduced the Broadband Voucher Scheme. This is being managed by the Department for Culture Media and Sport (DCMS), Click on the link below to visit their website.
This scheme enables a community to get together and request vouchers from the Government to pay for the fibre network to be installed in their area more quickly. The vouchers are issued for each property or business in the communities' area that want Ultrafast broadband. If they have enough participants the value of the vouchers will cover the full cost of the fibre network installation.
More details can be found here: The Government Broadband Voucher Scheme
The government once proposed that full-fibre broadband coverage would be available to all UK homes by 2033. This was subsequently brought forward by Prime Minister Johnson, during his election campaign, to 2025. The Government has now back-tracked again and rather than commit to the 2025 deadline, now only says it will achieve nationwide coverage "as soon as possible". In the current economic climate we can all guess what this means.
Therefore, in reality, it is going to be years before full-fibre broadband is installed in CB&H if we just wait for it to happen. We cannot wait that long as our lives and businesses now rely on fast internet access and it is going to be even more important and necessary to have a fast and reliable service in the future.
Fortunately there is another option, the Government Broadband Voucher Scheme and this is the way we will be able to get full-fibre Broadband installed in CB&H in about 18 months, probably sooner.
The Broadband Voucher Scheme
To accelerate the roll-out of Ultrafast Broadband, particularly into rural areas (like CB&H), that would normally have to wait many years to have it installed, the Government has introduced the Broadband Voucher Scheme. This is being managed by the Department for Culture Media and Sport (DCMS), Click on the link below to visit their website.
This scheme enables a community to get together and request vouchers from the Government to pay for the fibre network to be installed in their area more quickly. The vouchers are issued for each property or business in the communities' area that want Ultrafast broadband. If they have enough participants the value of the vouchers will cover the full cost of the fibre network installation.
More details can be found here: The Government Broadband Voucher Scheme
Coombe Bissett & Homington FTTP Project
An Introduction to FTTP, Ultrafast Broadband and How You Will Be Connected
This is a short, simple introduction to fibre optic technology so that you can understand why it is so much faster and more reliable than copper wires and why you need it in your home and/or business.
What is Data?Films, pictures, text and sound travel to and from your device (mobile telephone, computer, game console, fridge etc etc) as data, consisting of a series of ones and zeros, as depicted in the banner at the top of this page. This data format was chosen as it easy to transmit as a high or low voltage or as a light beam flashing on and off. It's just like a version of Morse Code and is known as binary code.
To avoid jerky videos and broken sound or waiting a long time for a picture to download this data must be transmitted at a very fast speed, yypically, many millions of ones and zeros per second. This is usually abbreviated to Mb/s (mega-bits per second) and is known as the data rate. To get this data to your property it must travel along a copper wire, a fibre-optic cable or as a radio wave. The latter is not cheap or effective for personal use so we will now look at copper and fibre technology. |
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Copper Wire Technology
Copper is used to make wire for electric circuits as it is the second-best room-temperature conductor of electricity we know of (the best is silver which is too expensive to use). Applying a voltage across a copper wire causes electrons to flow along it (like water flowing through a pipe) and these carry the data signals. The thicker the wire, the more electrons are available and the data rate will increase (think of it as a larger diameter water pipe). Although in theory a copper wire can transmit data very fast it is in practice limited to under 100 Mb/s.
This is where the term Broadband now comes in. A simple data message in binary Code in ones and zeros can be sent down a very thin (narrow) wire (or pipe to use that analogy) and this is known as Narrow Band. A complex message with video, photographs and voice requires a larger (broader) wire able to transmit more data. This is known as Broadband.
Unfortunately, as the length of the copper wire increases, an internal resistance to the flow of electrons builds up and the data rate slows down. Typically, the maximum length of standard diameter (1 mm) copper wire that can be used is about 3 km because after that the data rate is too low for any useful purpose.
Unfortunately, as the length of the copper wire increases, an internal resistance to the flow of electrons builds up and the data rate slows down. Typically, the maximum length of standard diameter (1 mm) copper wire that can be used is about 3 km because after that the data rate is too low for any useful purpose.
All internet connections to properties originally used copper wire because it was fast enough for our early devices. There were lots of different network technologies but the most common all-copper network still in use today, is called Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL).
Although relatively cost effective there are issues with using copper wire. It is prone to breaking over time due to metal fatigue, it oxidises and degrades due to climatic conditions and it is susceptible to external electromagnetic interference (e.g. lightening). As our devices have improved and multiplied (even fridges, washing machines and dishwashers now have internet connections) and the features we want to use demand more and faster data, copper wire connections, unless very short (less than 1/2 km) are inadequate. Indeed, Openreach have announced that from 2025 they will no longer support them (although they will be around for many years beyond then). So a new, faster cable-based technology, is required and this is fibre-optics.
Fibre Optic Technology
Fibre optic technology uses a modulated (flashing) beam of laser light to carry the data. This is bounced down a fibre (see below) of special glass which is nearly ten-times thinner than a human hair. The glass in the fibre is tuned to the frequency (colour) of the laser light and transmits it almost without any loss. This means that even at long distances the data rate is still very high and more than enough to support many devices in a property simultaneously demanding lots of data. A single fibre-optic cable can supply 1 Giga-bit per second (1 Gb/s = 1000 Mb/s) of data to 32 properties without any drop in signal quality or data rate.
Although it is made of glass, because it is incredibly thin it is flexible and very strong (think of fibre-glass cloth before the resin is applied). This fibre is enclosed in layers of other material (as shown below) to protect it and make it easier to handle. The fibre-optic cables that will be installed into Bishopstone will consist of many individual fibres inside a larger cable as shown here.
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The data rate of fibre-optic cable compared to copper wire at distance is shown below. As can be seen, within a typically-sized village such as Coombe Bissett or even a small town, fibre-optic technology will be able to provide Ultrafast Broadband to every property.
FTTC and FTTP Networks
Finally, after explaining the technology, we come to an explanation of what FTTP is and why CB&H needs it.
CB&H currently has Fibre To The Cabinet (FTTC). As shown below, this has a fibre-optic cable from the exchange to a street cabinet near the Coombe Bissett shop. From there the connection to premises in the villages is by copper wire with the problems noted above. Those lucky people in Bishopstone and Broad Chalke who are way ahead of us in their FTTP projects will soon receive much higher data rates of 70-100 Mb/s whereas some premises in the outer parts of CB&H are lucky if they receive 15 Mb/s. Because of the copper network, when lots of people want to access the internet, these data rates drop dramatically and often become unusable. The network is also unstable and many premises find that their broadband will drop out for no reason.
CB&H currently has Fibre To The Cabinet (FTTC). As shown below, this has a fibre-optic cable from the exchange to a street cabinet near the Coombe Bissett shop. From there the connection to premises in the villages is by copper wire with the problems noted above. Those lucky people in Bishopstone and Broad Chalke who are way ahead of us in their FTTP projects will soon receive much higher data rates of 70-100 Mb/s whereas some premises in the outer parts of CB&H are lucky if they receive 15 Mb/s. Because of the copper network, when lots of people want to access the internet, these data rates drop dramatically and often become unusable. The network is also unstable and many premises find that their broadband will drop out for no reason.
The few lucky properties in the eastern part of Bishopstone who, oddly, are served from the Coombe Bissett exchange already have Fibre To The Premises (FTTP). This is a full fibre network capable of supplying reliable Ultrafast Broadband (up to 1 Gb/s) to every property. This is what the CB&H FTTP Project Team is trying to have made available to every property that wants it in our villages.
FTTP Installation to your Premises
With FTTP, broadband is carried all the way between your premises and your telephone exchange by fibre-optic cable. These fibre-optic cables can be installed underground in ducts or overhead using telegraph poles. In general, fibre-optic cables will be installed along the same route used by existing telephone cables. So, if your current telephone service is supplied using underground cables, a fibre-optic cable will be installed between a nearby underground chamber and your premises. If your current telephone service is supplied using overhead cables fed from a telegraph pole, a new fibre-optic cable will be installed between the telegraph pole and your premises alongside the existing telephone cable.
Your preferred Internet Service Provider (ISP e.g. BT, Plusnet, TalkTalk, Sky) will install the fibre from the nearest Openreach node to your property. Please watch the following video on YouTube to to see how this was done by BT into someone's property. This useful video will answer many of your questions.
Your preferred Internet Service Provider (ISP e.g. BT, Plusnet, TalkTalk, Sky) will install the fibre from the nearest Openreach node to your property. Please watch the following video on YouTube to to see how this was done by BT into someone's property. This useful video will answer many of your questions.
Currently, it appears from our investigations, that ISPs are making this connection from the nearest Openreach node into your property either for free or for a minimal cost (£20 was one quote). This seems to be dependent on what package (speed and contract length) you sign up to but as the ISPs have told us, the situation is volatile and will undoubtedly change to reflect the country's economic situation at the time you take out your new contract.
I hope you found this a useful and understandable introduction to FTTP and Ultrafast Broadband. If you would like to know more there are a myriad of resources available on the internet. I do hope you have a high enough data rate to download them!
I hope you found this a useful and understandable introduction to FTTP and Ultrafast Broadband. If you would like to know more there are a myriad of resources available on the internet. I do hope you have a high enough data rate to download them!
Coombe Bissett & Homington FTTP Project
Community Interest Company (CIC)
After a community submits an initial list of properties who are interested in getting FTTP (see How It Works section) Openreach will undertake a survey of the community layout (location of properties) and infrastructure to determine the installation costs. Openreach's policy, to reduce their financial risk, is to then provide the the community with two quotes. The first is the actual cost of the installation and the second is 20% higher.
If, through pledges from properties, the community can meet or exceed the higher figure, Openreach will proceed with the installation by dealing with the village Project Team directly.
If, through pledges from properties, the community can only meet the lower figure, Openreach require the community to set up a Community Interest Company (CIC).
A CIC is a limited company, with special additional features, created for the use of people who want to conduct a business or other activity for community benefit, and not purely for private advantage. The link to the Wikipedia page below will tell you much more about CICs and the links to UK Government sites will show you what actions are required to set up a CIC (it can be done on line and is fairly straight forward). In our case, the CB&H FTTP Project CIC would be not-for-profit and the Directors, that are required by law, would not be paid.
We believe the pledges from properties will exceed the higher quote requested by Openreach by a significant margin and there is therefore, at this time, no requirement for the CB&H FTTP Project Team to set up a CIC.
If, through pledges from properties, the community can meet or exceed the higher figure, Openreach will proceed with the installation by dealing with the village Project Team directly.
If, through pledges from properties, the community can only meet the lower figure, Openreach require the community to set up a Community Interest Company (CIC).
A CIC is a limited company, with special additional features, created for the use of people who want to conduct a business or other activity for community benefit, and not purely for private advantage. The link to the Wikipedia page below will tell you much more about CICs and the links to UK Government sites will show you what actions are required to set up a CIC (it can be done on line and is fairly straight forward). In our case, the CB&H FTTP Project CIC would be not-for-profit and the Directors, that are required by law, would not be paid.
We believe the pledges from properties will exceed the higher quote requested by Openreach by a significant margin and there is therefore, at this time, no requirement for the CB&H FTTP Project Team to set up a CIC.
Useful Links
You may find the following links to sites with information about Community Interests Companies useful:
Coombe Bissett & Homington FTTP Project
How it Works - The Path to FTTP
This is the process we are following to get a full-fibre network installed in Coombe Bisset and Homington villages in order that those properties that want it can have a FTTP connection. There are many factors that will define how long it all takes - most notably how long it takes for enough villagers to express an interest and sign up. The average experience points to around 18 months from project initiation to installation, though many (like Bishopstone for example) fared much better and have done it in a year. The key is to get the necessary number of people committed to the project as swiftly as possible - ultimately it is in the best interests of everyone in CB&H - SO PLEASE PASS THE WORD to as many friends and neighbours as you can!
The List - Properties Expressing Interest In FTTP
The following properties, in the area of CB&H covered by this project have expressed an interest in having FTTP and their details will be submitted to Openreach:
Barbers Lane17 Premises
Blandford Road28 Premises
Drove Close2 Premises
Drove Lane3 Premises
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Homington Road40 Premises
Lower Road13 Premises
Marsh Lane3 Premises
Meadens Lane2 Premises
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Old Blandford Road2 Premises
Pennings Drove5 Premises
Rockbourne Road7 Premises
Salisbury Road10 Premises
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Shepherds Close6 Premises
Schutts Lane3 Premises
Stocks Bridge Lane5 Premises
Stratford Tony Road11 Premises
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Water Lane2 Premises
Willowmeade Close1 Premises
Unnamed Roads14 Premises
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Coombe Bissett & Homington FTTP Project
Beneficiary Terms and Conditions
Here you will be able to read the Beneficiary (that's everyone who will be connected to ultrafast broadband through this scheme) Terms and Conditions for the Government Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme. At the bottom of the page is a link for you to download a PDF version of the document should you prefer to read it offline or want to keep a copy for your records.
Beneficiary Terms and Conditions
Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme
UK Gigabit Voucher Funding
8th April 2021
Version 7.0
8th April 2021
Version 7.0
Terms and Conditions
A. These terms and conditions (including the Schedules) apply to UK Gigabit Vouchers offered to beneficiaries under the Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme (the Scheme). In these terms "we" and "us" refers to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport(DCMS) and "you" refers to the relevant SME or residential beneficiary (where applicable).
B. This version of these terms and conditions is effective from the date specified on the cover page of these terms and conditions. You are bound by the version of these terms and conditions that are in force on the date that your supplier requests a voucher on your behalf.
C. You will be notified where your voucher qualifies for additional top-up funding (being additional funding provided by local bodies that increases (or tops up) the value of vouchers). If top-up funding applies, you will be notified of any increased voucher value.
1. Premises Eligibility
1.1 UK Gigabit Vouchers are designed to support gigabit capable connections in the harder to reach areas of the UK and we offer a checker on the Scheme's website for you to check your address to determine its eligibility for voucher funding.
1.2 For your premises to be eligible for a voucher the following criteria must be met:
1.2.1 part of a Supplier led project;
1.2.2 not have speeds of more than 100 Mbps available;
1.2.3 be "Rural" according to the Office for National Statistic (ONS) or equivalent:
1.2.4 not be within an "Area 2 Postcode Sector" as determined by Ofcom's Wholesale Fixed Telecoms Market Review 2021-26 (WFMTR);
1.2.5 not be within an area that we anticipate commercial build based in part upon Ofcom declared Area 3 and the published list of BT exchanges where Openreach has made commitments under the RAB; and
1.2.6 not be part of a planned or ongoing other UK Government subsidy initiative or programme to deliver "Gigabit Capable Networks", as determined by the Authority (and defined in the Scheme rules referenced at paragraph 2.1 below), including premises included as part of a public review.
2. About my connection
2.1 In order to qualify for a voucher grant, you must take a new broadband connection which meets the Scheme rules agreed to by your supplier and which are available from https://gigabitvoucher.culture.gov.uk. In addition, it must at least double your current broadband speed or be faster than 100Mbps (whichever is lower) – for further details please see paragraph 5 below.
2.2 The contract for service that you enter into with your chosen supplier must be for a minimum of 12 months.
2.3 If you are a SME which operates from multiple locations, or a beneficiary with multiple premises, you may use a voucher to support the cost of more than one connection at our discretion. For all SMEs, vouchers may only be used for eligible connections at premises from which you actively trade.
2.4 Where multiple businesses operate from the same shared premises, we reserve the right to limit the number of beneficiaries in the premises. See Schedule 1 for additional limitations relating to multiple connection scenarios.
2.5 We reserve the right to stop issuing UK Gigabit Vouchers at any time.
2.6 When you give consent to a Supplier that they can request a UK Gigabit Voucher on your behalf to support the cost of your connection, your supplier must send us a request for a voucher using the online portal provided by the Scheme. We will send you an email to confirm that you have given your consent to use a voucher. If you do not give your agreement within 28 days your supplier's request for a voucher on your behalf may be cancelled.
2.7 Your new connection must be installed within 12 months of the issue of a UK Gigabit Voucher. If your supplier is not able to deliver your new connection by this date then the voucher will expire and the grant will be no longer be available. We accept no liability for the costs of connections which are not delivered within 12 months of the offer of a UK Gigabit Voucher.
2.8 The contract for service you accept with your chosen supplier is in no way affected by the offer of a UK Gigabit Voucher or its issue or non-issue in accordance with these terms and conditions.
2.9 Residents and SMEs may only participate in the Scheme and benefit from vouchers where they are part of projects agreed by us.
2.10 For the purpose of the Scheme “resident” means a beneficiary in the UK who is not an enterprise and “SME” means a Small and Medium Enterprise where the relevant organisation is no larger than a medium-sized company under sections 465 to 467 of the Companies Act 2006 which can be summarised as:
(a) up to 249 employees and annual turnover no greater than £36 million;
and/or
(b) an annual balance sheet total not exceeding £18 million.
3. About payment of my voucher
3.1 Payment for UK Gigabit Vouchers will be made directly to your supplier, not to you or your business/organisation. Your supplier will notify us when your connection has been delivered. We will check with you that the connection has been delivered before we pay your supplier. You will be required to make a declaration that the new service has been installed and is performing as expected. If you do not make this declaration, we will not be able to pay your voucher. You must respond to our requests for information within 28 days or your voucher may be cancelled.
3.2 No payment will be made for any vouchers once the Supplier has claimed the total amount of funding available for the applicable project. In such circumstances, where your voucher has been issued as part of a project where the Supplier has claimed the total amount of funding available, you should still receive a connection and only pay additional costs where these are expressly set out in your contract with the Supplier.
3.3 We have agreed with your supplier that the UK Gigabit Voucher has a maximum value which can be claimed against the eligible construction and installation charges of your connection. The values set out below may change if top-up funding applies in accordance with paragraph C above.
3.4 The maximum voucher value for a SME beneficiary is £3,500 and the minimum value is £500. SME vouchers cannot cover VAT which remains your responsibility.
3.5 Residential vouchers will have a maximum value of £1,500 and a minimum value of £500 (inclusive of VAT).
3.6 If you are a SME beneficiary and your construction and installation charges are above £3,500 or if you are a residential beneficiary and your construction and installation charges are above £1,500 (inclusive of VAT), then you will be liable for paying the difference to the supplier. If the construction and installation charges for SME and residential beneficiaries are below £500 (inclusive of VAT) your connection will not be eligible for voucher support.
3.7 UK Gigabit Vouchers are for the construction of the appropriate network, one-off installation and set-up costs only, as agreed with your supplier. These costs may include installation fees; external infrastructure equipment; excess construction charges and engineering works; and set-up and survey costs. All registered suppliers have signed up of the Scheme's terms and conditions which clearly set out what installation costs are eligible or ineligible under the Scheme.
3.8 Computer and ICT equipment cannot be claimed for under the Scheme, nor can revenue charges for storage/back-up/application usage such as those made available through cloud services.
3.9 You cannot benefit from a UK Gigabit Voucher to support the costs of a connection you already have or to replace a connection which is already gigabit capable. Anything you spend before the date of your voucher offer cannot be claimed back.
3.10 The Scheme cannot pay for any cancellation charges incurred either for early termination of an existing contract or for cancellation charges associated with a supplier offer that you choose not to accept.
4. Your responsibilities
4.1 You are responsible for providing, as soon as is practicable, all the information reasonably requested by us or the local body for your area concerning the Scheme, including any additional information that may be necessary for the purposes of processing your voucher or deciding on your award amount or your eligibility. If you do not respond to any reasonable request for information within 28 days we may decide to withdraw the offer of a voucher.
4.2 You are responsible for checking that you meet the eligibility requirements for the Scheme set out in paragraph 1. You will be asked to self-certify that you meet the SME definition criteria set out in paragraph 2.10 (where applicable) and are eligible to receive funding under the UK Subsidy Regime exception criteria.
Following the precedent of the BDUK Super-Connected Cities Voucher Scheme, payments for vouchers issued up to and including 31st December 2020 are made under the terms of the European Commission's "De-Minimis" Regulation (1407/2013). From 1st January 2021 the payments for vouchers issued are made under Chapter 3, Article 3.2(4) of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and the United Kingdom.
4.3 If required to do so you must provide evidence of your status as a SME or sole trader. Documentation we will accept includes: VAT registration; Charity Registration: HMRC notification; sole trader UTR number; certification of incorporation (limited companies); business bank account statement issued within the last three months; non-domestic rates reference. Other documentation, such as business-related utility bills, may be acceptable in certain circumstances if combined with other documentation.
4.4 Paragraphs 4.2 and 4.3 do not apply where the beneficiary is classified as a "resident".
4.5 You agree to provide reasonable information and assistance to support the promotion of the Scheme, including providing information for a case study and taking part in any Scheme evaluation surveys.
4.6 You agree to provide us with such additional information and assistance as we may reasonably require from time to time in relation to the operation of the Scheme. This may include (without limit) providing reasonable access to your premises or network for the purpose of making relevant compliance checks by us or our agents.
5. Connectivity requirements
5.1 All connections supported by UK Gigabit Vouchers must fulfil ALL of the following characteristics:
5.1.1 be Gigabit Capable Network compliant at the time of delivery of the connection without the need for future hardware upgrades or modification (excluding Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) – it is not mandatory to deploy Gigabit Capable Network CPE from the outset if this is not required to deliver service, unless the CPE is embedded into the Network Terminating Equipment (NTE) which must be Gigabit Capable Network compliant);
5.1.2 deliver a minimum of 30Mbps to your premises; and
5.1.3 the upgraded broadband service must deliver a "step change" in service which is at least a doubling of speeds compared to the service currently being consumed by you or deliver speeds over 100 Mbps.
5.2 Any premises that is capable of receiving a speed of >100Mb/s (as determined by us) is NOT eligible to benefit from a UK Gigabit Voucher under the Scheme, whether or not that connection is currently in use. 5.3 In these terms and conditions, speeds are upload or download and not necessarily at the same time. Wireless technologies are permitted where the speed requirements set out in paragraph 5.1 are met. 5.4 In order to be eligible for the Scheme, once the final connection has been made to your premises, and you are taking service, the supplier must confirm that the infrastructure supporting their service is capable of delivering 1Gb connectivity to you within 10 working days of a valid retail/wholesale upgrade order.
6. Multiple Dwelling Units (MDUs)
6.1 Individual premises within MDUs are classed as premises under these terms and conditions so each eligible premises within an MDU can be eligible for funding from a UK Gigabit Voucher.
6.2 A premises under these terms and conditions is a building in the UK which attracts either council tax or business rates.
6.3 The Authority reserves the right to limit the amount of voucher funding for any MDU.
7. General conditions
7.1 UK Gigabit Vouchers are not transferable to other beneficiaries or properties.
7.2 We are not liable in any way for user errors or unauthorised use of the Scheme web pages and application materials by suppliers or beneficiaries.
7.3 We are not liable in any way for incomplete, false or misleading information given by beneficiaries (including you) or suppliers. Where incomplete, false or misleading information is given, we reserve the right to either cancel the voucher or reclaim the voucher value in full.
7.4 We reserve the right to discontinue or otherwise vary the terms of the Scheme in any way upon reasonable notice. In addition to being notified of any variations made to the terms of the Scheme, the current terms are available on request at any time.
7.5 We reserve the right to end the Scheme at any time.
7.6 Public sector organisations (including state schools) may not benefit from the Scheme.
7.7 A private sector school operating between the ages of 3 and 18 or any organisation solely involved in offering provision under the requirements for young people to remain in education until their 18th birthday may not benefit from the Scheme.
7.8 We do not endorse any particular supplier or product and you should undertake all normal checks to satisfy yourself of the standing of the supplier and suitability of the product before placing an order directly with the supplier of your choice.
7.9 We accept no liability for any connection work undertaken. It is the responsibility of the supplier selected to ensure that the connection is installed correctly and without loss or damage. You should assure yourself that the connection has been correctly installed before confirming your installation is complete.
7.10 If you receive any information request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (or equivalent legislation) that concerns the Scheme and/or us you shall provide such request to us without delay.
7.11 These terms and conditions shall be subject to and construed in accordance with English law and subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.
8. Data protection
8.1 Where you are a corporate beneficiary, we and you shall comply with all applicable data protection laws. Any personal data (of your employees, company representatives or otherwise) provided by you shall be used in accordance with our privacy statement located at https://gigabitvoucher.culture.gov.uk/. You shall comply with any additional data protection procedures notified by us and ensure that (a) you have provided such employees, company representatives or otherwise (as applicable) with our privacy statement; and (b) all fair processing notices have been given and/or, as applicable, consents are obtained to enable us to process the relevant data for the purpose of the Scheme.
8.2 We shall be entitled to require you to comply with such additional provisions as we may reasonably determine to be necessary in order to enable us and you to comply with our respective obligations under applicable data protection laws.
8.3 Where you are a residential beneficiary any personal data provided by you shall be used in accordance with our privacy statement located at https://gigabitvoucher.culture.gov.uk.
B. This version of these terms and conditions is effective from the date specified on the cover page of these terms and conditions. You are bound by the version of these terms and conditions that are in force on the date that your supplier requests a voucher on your behalf.
C. You will be notified where your voucher qualifies for additional top-up funding (being additional funding provided by local bodies that increases (or tops up) the value of vouchers). If top-up funding applies, you will be notified of any increased voucher value.
1. Premises Eligibility
1.1 UK Gigabit Vouchers are designed to support gigabit capable connections in the harder to reach areas of the UK and we offer a checker on the Scheme's website for you to check your address to determine its eligibility for voucher funding.
1.2 For your premises to be eligible for a voucher the following criteria must be met:
1.2.1 part of a Supplier led project;
1.2.2 not have speeds of more than 100 Mbps available;
1.2.3 be "Rural" according to the Office for National Statistic (ONS) or equivalent:
1.2.4 not be within an "Area 2 Postcode Sector" as determined by Ofcom's Wholesale Fixed Telecoms Market Review 2021-26 (WFMTR);
1.2.5 not be within an area that we anticipate commercial build based in part upon Ofcom declared Area 3 and the published list of BT exchanges where Openreach has made commitments under the RAB; and
1.2.6 not be part of a planned or ongoing other UK Government subsidy initiative or programme to deliver "Gigabit Capable Networks", as determined by the Authority (and defined in the Scheme rules referenced at paragraph 2.1 below), including premises included as part of a public review.
- (a) ONS definitions D1 – F2 (England & Wales);
(b) NISRA definitions E – H (Northern Ireland);
(c) NRS definitions 3- 8 (Scotland);
2. About my connection
2.1 In order to qualify for a voucher grant, you must take a new broadband connection which meets the Scheme rules agreed to by your supplier and which are available from https://gigabitvoucher.culture.gov.uk. In addition, it must at least double your current broadband speed or be faster than 100Mbps (whichever is lower) – for further details please see paragraph 5 below.
2.2 The contract for service that you enter into with your chosen supplier must be for a minimum of 12 months.
2.3 If you are a SME which operates from multiple locations, or a beneficiary with multiple premises, you may use a voucher to support the cost of more than one connection at our discretion. For all SMEs, vouchers may only be used for eligible connections at premises from which you actively trade.
2.4 Where multiple businesses operate from the same shared premises, we reserve the right to limit the number of beneficiaries in the premises. See Schedule 1 for additional limitations relating to multiple connection scenarios.
2.5 We reserve the right to stop issuing UK Gigabit Vouchers at any time.
2.6 When you give consent to a Supplier that they can request a UK Gigabit Voucher on your behalf to support the cost of your connection, your supplier must send us a request for a voucher using the online portal provided by the Scheme. We will send you an email to confirm that you have given your consent to use a voucher. If you do not give your agreement within 28 days your supplier's request for a voucher on your behalf may be cancelled.
2.7 Your new connection must be installed within 12 months of the issue of a UK Gigabit Voucher. If your supplier is not able to deliver your new connection by this date then the voucher will expire and the grant will be no longer be available. We accept no liability for the costs of connections which are not delivered within 12 months of the offer of a UK Gigabit Voucher.
2.8 The contract for service you accept with your chosen supplier is in no way affected by the offer of a UK Gigabit Voucher or its issue or non-issue in accordance with these terms and conditions.
2.9 Residents and SMEs may only participate in the Scheme and benefit from vouchers where they are part of projects agreed by us.
2.10 For the purpose of the Scheme “resident” means a beneficiary in the UK who is not an enterprise and “SME” means a Small and Medium Enterprise where the relevant organisation is no larger than a medium-sized company under sections 465 to 467 of the Companies Act 2006 which can be summarised as:
(a) up to 249 employees and annual turnover no greater than £36 million;
and/or
(b) an annual balance sheet total not exceeding £18 million.
3. About payment of my voucher
3.1 Payment for UK Gigabit Vouchers will be made directly to your supplier, not to you or your business/organisation. Your supplier will notify us when your connection has been delivered. We will check with you that the connection has been delivered before we pay your supplier. You will be required to make a declaration that the new service has been installed and is performing as expected. If you do not make this declaration, we will not be able to pay your voucher. You must respond to our requests for information within 28 days or your voucher may be cancelled.
3.2 No payment will be made for any vouchers once the Supplier has claimed the total amount of funding available for the applicable project. In such circumstances, where your voucher has been issued as part of a project where the Supplier has claimed the total amount of funding available, you should still receive a connection and only pay additional costs where these are expressly set out in your contract with the Supplier.
3.3 We have agreed with your supplier that the UK Gigabit Voucher has a maximum value which can be claimed against the eligible construction and installation charges of your connection. The values set out below may change if top-up funding applies in accordance with paragraph C above.
3.4 The maximum voucher value for a SME beneficiary is £3,500 and the minimum value is £500. SME vouchers cannot cover VAT which remains your responsibility.
3.5 Residential vouchers will have a maximum value of £1,500 and a minimum value of £500 (inclusive of VAT).
3.6 If you are a SME beneficiary and your construction and installation charges are above £3,500 or if you are a residential beneficiary and your construction and installation charges are above £1,500 (inclusive of VAT), then you will be liable for paying the difference to the supplier. If the construction and installation charges for SME and residential beneficiaries are below £500 (inclusive of VAT) your connection will not be eligible for voucher support.
3.7 UK Gigabit Vouchers are for the construction of the appropriate network, one-off installation and set-up costs only, as agreed with your supplier. These costs may include installation fees; external infrastructure equipment; excess construction charges and engineering works; and set-up and survey costs. All registered suppliers have signed up of the Scheme's terms and conditions which clearly set out what installation costs are eligible or ineligible under the Scheme.
3.8 Computer and ICT equipment cannot be claimed for under the Scheme, nor can revenue charges for storage/back-up/application usage such as those made available through cloud services.
3.9 You cannot benefit from a UK Gigabit Voucher to support the costs of a connection you already have or to replace a connection which is already gigabit capable. Anything you spend before the date of your voucher offer cannot be claimed back.
3.10 The Scheme cannot pay for any cancellation charges incurred either for early termination of an existing contract or for cancellation charges associated with a supplier offer that you choose not to accept.
4. Your responsibilities
4.1 You are responsible for providing, as soon as is practicable, all the information reasonably requested by us or the local body for your area concerning the Scheme, including any additional information that may be necessary for the purposes of processing your voucher or deciding on your award amount or your eligibility. If you do not respond to any reasonable request for information within 28 days we may decide to withdraw the offer of a voucher.
4.2 You are responsible for checking that you meet the eligibility requirements for the Scheme set out in paragraph 1. You will be asked to self-certify that you meet the SME definition criteria set out in paragraph 2.10 (where applicable) and are eligible to receive funding under the UK Subsidy Regime exception criteria.
Following the precedent of the BDUK Super-Connected Cities Voucher Scheme, payments for vouchers issued up to and including 31st December 2020 are made under the terms of the European Commission's "De-Minimis" Regulation (1407/2013). From 1st January 2021 the payments for vouchers issued are made under Chapter 3, Article 3.2(4) of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and the United Kingdom.
4.3 If required to do so you must provide evidence of your status as a SME or sole trader. Documentation we will accept includes: VAT registration; Charity Registration: HMRC notification; sole trader UTR number; certification of incorporation (limited companies); business bank account statement issued within the last three months; non-domestic rates reference. Other documentation, such as business-related utility bills, may be acceptable in certain circumstances if combined with other documentation.
4.4 Paragraphs 4.2 and 4.3 do not apply where the beneficiary is classified as a "resident".
4.5 You agree to provide reasonable information and assistance to support the promotion of the Scheme, including providing information for a case study and taking part in any Scheme evaluation surveys.
4.6 You agree to provide us with such additional information and assistance as we may reasonably require from time to time in relation to the operation of the Scheme. This may include (without limit) providing reasonable access to your premises or network for the purpose of making relevant compliance checks by us or our agents.
5. Connectivity requirements
5.1 All connections supported by UK Gigabit Vouchers must fulfil ALL of the following characteristics:
5.1.1 be Gigabit Capable Network compliant at the time of delivery of the connection without the need for future hardware upgrades or modification (excluding Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) – it is not mandatory to deploy Gigabit Capable Network CPE from the outset if this is not required to deliver service, unless the CPE is embedded into the Network Terminating Equipment (NTE) which must be Gigabit Capable Network compliant);
5.1.2 deliver a minimum of 30Mbps to your premises; and
5.1.3 the upgraded broadband service must deliver a "step change" in service which is at least a doubling of speeds compared to the service currently being consumed by you or deliver speeds over 100 Mbps.
5.2 Any premises that is capable of receiving a speed of >100Mb/s (as determined by us) is NOT eligible to benefit from a UK Gigabit Voucher under the Scheme, whether or not that connection is currently in use. 5.3 In these terms and conditions, speeds are upload or download and not necessarily at the same time. Wireless technologies are permitted where the speed requirements set out in paragraph 5.1 are met. 5.4 In order to be eligible for the Scheme, once the final connection has been made to your premises, and you are taking service, the supplier must confirm that the infrastructure supporting their service is capable of delivering 1Gb connectivity to you within 10 working days of a valid retail/wholesale upgrade order.
6. Multiple Dwelling Units (MDUs)
6.1 Individual premises within MDUs are classed as premises under these terms and conditions so each eligible premises within an MDU can be eligible for funding from a UK Gigabit Voucher.
6.2 A premises under these terms and conditions is a building in the UK which attracts either council tax or business rates.
6.3 The Authority reserves the right to limit the amount of voucher funding for any MDU.
7. General conditions
7.1 UK Gigabit Vouchers are not transferable to other beneficiaries or properties.
7.2 We are not liable in any way for user errors or unauthorised use of the Scheme web pages and application materials by suppliers or beneficiaries.
7.3 We are not liable in any way for incomplete, false or misleading information given by beneficiaries (including you) or suppliers. Where incomplete, false or misleading information is given, we reserve the right to either cancel the voucher or reclaim the voucher value in full.
7.4 We reserve the right to discontinue or otherwise vary the terms of the Scheme in any way upon reasonable notice. In addition to being notified of any variations made to the terms of the Scheme, the current terms are available on request at any time.
7.5 We reserve the right to end the Scheme at any time.
7.6 Public sector organisations (including state schools) may not benefit from the Scheme.
7.7 A private sector school operating between the ages of 3 and 18 or any organisation solely involved in offering provision under the requirements for young people to remain in education until their 18th birthday may not benefit from the Scheme.
7.8 We do not endorse any particular supplier or product and you should undertake all normal checks to satisfy yourself of the standing of the supplier and suitability of the product before placing an order directly with the supplier of your choice.
7.9 We accept no liability for any connection work undertaken. It is the responsibility of the supplier selected to ensure that the connection is installed correctly and without loss or damage. You should assure yourself that the connection has been correctly installed before confirming your installation is complete.
7.10 If you receive any information request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (or equivalent legislation) that concerns the Scheme and/or us you shall provide such request to us without delay.
7.11 These terms and conditions shall be subject to and construed in accordance with English law and subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.
8. Data protection
8.1 Where you are a corporate beneficiary, we and you shall comply with all applicable data protection laws. Any personal data (of your employees, company representatives or otherwise) provided by you shall be used in accordance with our privacy statement located at https://gigabitvoucher.culture.gov.uk/. You shall comply with any additional data protection procedures notified by us and ensure that (a) you have provided such employees, company representatives or otherwise (as applicable) with our privacy statement; and (b) all fair processing notices have been given and/or, as applicable, consents are obtained to enable us to process the relevant data for the purpose of the Scheme.
8.2 We shall be entitled to require you to comply with such additional provisions as we may reasonably determine to be necessary in order to enable us and you to comply with our respective obligations under applicable data protection laws.
8.3 Where you are a residential beneficiary any personal data provided by you shall be used in accordance with our privacy statement located at https://gigabitvoucher.culture.gov.uk.
Schedule 1 – Multiple Connection Scenarios
The following limitations apply in respect of the following multiple connection scenarios:
Beneficiary Type |
Number of premises for which vouchers can be used |
Max aggregate voucher value |
|
1 |
SME (including sole trader)(single user of premises) |
As many premises as it operates from |
Max SME permitted value (including any top-up funding available in area) for the SME beneficiary per premises up to the SDR threshold |
2 |
SME (including sole trader)(in shared premises) |
Vouchers are available per premises only and the number of users of a premises does not increase available funding |
Max SME permitted value (including any top-up funding available in area) for the SME beneficiary up to the SDR threshold |
3 |
Resident |
As many premises as the resident resides at (see the separate guidance issued by us, including in relation to holiday homes etc) |
Max residential permitted value (including any top-up funding in area) for the residential beneficiary per premises |
4 |
SME (including sole trader)operating from a residential premises |
As many eligible residential premises as the SME is registered at |
Max SME permitted value (including any top-up funding available in area) for the SME beneficiary |
5 |
Landlords with >1 premises in different locations |
As many eligible properties as the landlord allows |
325,000 Special Drawing Rights (SDR) (as defined in the Scheme rules referenced at paragraph 2.1 above) |
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DCMS Beneficiary Terms and Conditions
DCMS Beneficiary Terms and Conditions
Coombe Bissett & Homington FTTP Project
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Will it Take - When will I get Ultrafast Broadband (FTTP)?
There are many factors that will define how long it all takes - most notably how long it takes for enough villagers to express an interest and sign up. After the Project Team have submitted all the information on those premises that have signed up to Openreach and it has been accepted. it could take up to one year before FTTP is installed at your property (Openreach have a legal obligation to install it within one year). The average experience points to around 18 months from project initiation to installation, though many (like Bishopstone for example) fared much better and have done it in a year. The key is to get the necessary number of people committed to the project as swiftly as possible - ultimately it is in the best interests of everyone in CB&H - SO PLEASE PASS THE WORD to as many friends and neighbours as you can!
There are many factors that will define how long it all takes - most notably how long it takes for enough villagers to express an interest and sign up. After the Project Team have submitted all the information on those premises that have signed up to Openreach and it has been accepted. it could take up to one year before FTTP is installed at your property (Openreach have a legal obligation to install it within one year). The average experience points to around 18 months from project initiation to installation, though many (like Bishopstone for example) fared much better and have done it in a year. The key is to get the necessary number of people committed to the project as swiftly as possible - ultimately it is in the best interests of everyone in CB&H - SO PLEASE PASS THE WORD to as many friends and neighbours as you can!
How much will it cost me?
We estimate that the installation of FTTP to the properties in the villages who have signed up for it will cost between £140,000 and £200,000 but, thanks to the Government Voucher Scheme it will cost those properties nothing at all. You will be obliged to take up a new Ultrafast Broadband contract, for around twice the speed you are getting now, with the internet service provider (ISP) of your choice. This could be your existing provider if you wish or any other - and there are plenty to choose from. It will only cost you a few pounds more per month but actually may be the same cost you are paying now depending on which ISP you choose and the package on offer. The ISPs regularly change their costs and it is a competitive market so it makes sense to shop around for the best deal and haggle with them.
We estimate that the installation of FTTP to the properties in the villages who have signed up for it will cost between £140,000 and £200,000 but, thanks to the Government Voucher Scheme it will cost those properties nothing at all. You will be obliged to take up a new Ultrafast Broadband contract, for around twice the speed you are getting now, with the internet service provider (ISP) of your choice. This could be your existing provider if you wish or any other - and there are plenty to choose from. It will only cost you a few pounds more per month but actually may be the same cost you are paying now depending on which ISP you choose and the package on offer. The ISPs regularly change their costs and it is a competitive market so it makes sense to shop around for the best deal and haggle with them.
What do I have to do to get FTTP?
First make sure your property is on the list. Contact Andrew on [email protected]. If your property is on the list already then click on How It Works in the menu to see all the steps in the process and what you need to do and when. It's very simple.
First make sure your property is on the list. Contact Andrew on [email protected]. If your property is on the list already then click on How It Works in the menu to see all the steps in the process and what you need to do and when. It's very simple.
What if I move house out of the village?
As this process could take up to a year it is inevitable that some properties may change ownership in that time. If you signed up for FTTP and then move out of CB&H before it is installed it is not a problem and you will have no responsibilities other than to let the Project Team know. The Project Team will contact the new owner and see if they would like to have FTTP and take over the commitment (to take up a new Ultrafast Broadband contract). If they do not (which is probably unlikely) then it will not be installed and the villages will lose the value of that Government Voucher.
As this process could take up to a year it is inevitable that some properties may change ownership in that time. If you signed up for FTTP and then move out of CB&H before it is installed it is not a problem and you will have no responsibilities other than to let the Project Team know. The Project Team will contact the new owner and see if they would like to have FTTP and take over the commitment (to take up a new Ultrafast Broadband contract). If they do not (which is probably unlikely) then it will not be installed and the villages will lose the value of that Government Voucher.
Our current copper wire installation to the house is overhead - will the fibre go underground or overhead?
With FTTP, broadband is carried all the way between your premises and your telephone exchange by fibre-optic cable. These fibre-optic cables can be installed underground in ducts or overhead using telegraph poles. In general, fibre-optic cables will be installed along the same route used by existing telephone cables. So, if your current telephone service is supplied using underground cables, a fibre-optic cable will be installed between a nearby underground chamber and your premises. If your current telephone service is supplied using overhead cables fed from a telegraph pole, a new fibre-optic cable will be installed between the telegraph pole and your premises alongside the existing telephone cable.
With FTTP, broadband is carried all the way between your premises and your telephone exchange by fibre-optic cable. These fibre-optic cables can be installed underground in ducts or overhead using telegraph poles. In general, fibre-optic cables will be installed along the same route used by existing telephone cables. So, if your current telephone service is supplied using underground cables, a fibre-optic cable will be installed between a nearby underground chamber and your premises. If your current telephone service is supplied using overhead cables fed from a telegraph pole, a new fibre-optic cable will be installed between the telegraph pole and your premises alongside the existing telephone cable.
Is it Openreach who install right up to the house as part of the project or is it my chosen ISP?
As shown in the video (See This Link) - as part of he FTTP Project, Openreach will install their fibre network up to and including the nearest Connectorised Block Terminal (CBT) which may be in an existing nearby underground chamber, or on an existing overhead telegraph pole depending on the current network installation. The householder’s chosen ISP will then install fibre from the CBT to a terminal block on the outside of the house and through the wall to an optical modem box.
As shown in the video (See This Link) - as part of he FTTP Project, Openreach will install their fibre network up to and including the nearest Connectorised Block Terminal (CBT) which may be in an existing nearby underground chamber, or on an existing overhead telegraph pole depending on the current network installation. The householder’s chosen ISP will then install fibre from the CBT to a terminal block on the outside of the house and through the wall to an optical modem box.
Is the cost of installation from the CBT to the house covered by the Project?
As part of this Project, Openreach will install up to a Connectorised Block Terminal in the nearest underground junction or telegraph pole. Connection form the CBT is provided by the householder's chosen ISP. The cost of connection is part of the contract undertaken between the householder and the chosen ISP. It is difficult to put a cost on this as some ISPs include it for free in their offer alongside other services like the provision of the domestic WiFi Router and connection of household devices. Others list it as a separate charge which seems to vary from £20 to £50. It changes all the time because it is a very competitive market and ISPs are always trying to outdo each other. The trick - as usual - is to shop around for the best deal to suit the householder.
As part of this Project, Openreach will install up to a Connectorised Block Terminal in the nearest underground junction or telegraph pole. Connection form the CBT is provided by the householder's chosen ISP. The cost of connection is part of the contract undertaken between the householder and the chosen ISP. It is difficult to put a cost on this as some ISPs include it for free in their offer alongside other services like the provision of the domestic WiFi Router and connection of household devices. Others list it as a separate charge which seems to vary from £20 to £50. It changes all the time because it is a very competitive market and ISPs are always trying to outdo each other. The trick - as usual - is to shop around for the best deal to suit the householder.
Coombe Bissett & Homington FTTP Project
Contacts and Links
Contacts
Please look at our Freqently Asked Questions (FAQ) page to see if we can answer your question there but if you still cannot find out what you need know please email to: [email protected]
Or contact:
Bruce Brealey - 01722 71812. Andrew Welfare - 01722 718895. Ian Dale - 07884020781
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE INCLUDED IN THIS PROJECT THEN PLEASE SEND YOUR NAME, LANDLINE TELEPHONE NUMBER AND HOME ADDRESS WITH POSTCODE TO [email protected]
Or contact:
Bruce Brealey - 01722 71812. Andrew Welfare - 01722 718895. Ian Dale - 07884020781
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE INCLUDED IN THIS PROJECT THEN PLEASE SEND YOUR NAME, LANDLINE TELEPHONE NUMBER AND HOME ADDRESS WITH POSTCODE TO [email protected]