Update on Broadband in Gulworthy Parish
This is to update you on the planned roll-out of broadband in your parish under the Connecting Devon & Somerset (CDS) programme which now, sadly will not be going ahead.
As you are no doubt aware, CDS contracted with broadband supplier Airband in late 2020 to deliver fibre broadband to communities across Devon & Somerset over the course of three years, concluding at the end of 2024. Your parish was to be covered by cluster NF054. Unfortunately, Airband has faced a range of challenges over the intervening years which have delayed delivery of these contracts.
However, following Airband’s restructure earlier this year, the company is seeking to maximise take up across its existing network while slowing down on build activity which means it can no longer complete its contracted build for CDS in full. As a result, in April, Airband sought a change to its contract.
Since then, CDS has worked closely with the Airband team to maximise the number of clusters that might yet be delivered under the scope of our contracts. Whilst this process has had some success in allowing further clusters to be built, I'm afraid NF054 is not one of them.
This will clearly be extremely disappointing for you and your parishioners and we share your frustration. For clusters that will now not be built through our contracts, CDS has taken the opportunity to engage with government, through the Building Digital UK agency (BDUK), to discuss alternative options for providing connectivity to parishes who have been affected by this situation. We are discussing options including their Project Gigabit Programme and voucher schemes and considering any local investment opportunities.
CDS is liaising with BDUK to re-enable rural voucher eligibility for communities which were earmarked for delivery by Airband allowing them to pursue solutions with other fibre providers as soon as possible, should they wish to.
We will naturally contact you again once we have clarity on the measures to re-procure a supplier for your area. However, in the interim, should you wish to discuss this further, please don't hesitate to contact me to arrange a call.
Kind regards,
Connecting Devon and Somerset
5th November 2024