Full fibre broadband delivery scaled back across Devon & Somerset
Nearly 30,000 less premises will have the service
Nearly 30,000 less premises are going to get full fibre broadband as it's scaled back across Devon & Somerset.
Connecting Devon and Somerset contracted the broadband supplier Airband in 2016 to deliver fixed wireless infrastructure and additionally in late 2020 to rollout fibre broadband networks to communities across Devon and Somerset.
In total, 55,493 premises were due to get the service, but that's now due to drop to just over 27,171.
It comes following Airband’s restructure earlier this year, with the company seeking to maximise take up across its existing network while slowing down on build activity.
This means it can no longer complete its contracted build for CDS in full.
CDS is extremely disappointed to see a reduction in coverage by Airband but both parties are committed to continue working together to deliver better connectivity across the region.
Councillor Rufus Gilbert, CDS Board Member and Cabinet Member for Economic Recovery and Skills, said:
“Sadly we’re in a position where we have little choice other than to scale back these contracts with Airband. The company is unable to fulfil its contractual obligations, which is deeply disappointing for us and the communities that have been waiting for a decent broadband connection. A lot of work has gone into coming to an agreement on what they can now complete, and we’re urging BDUK to work with us to find solutions to the communities that are missing out.”
The next stage will be to finalise the relevant build plans and secure compliance approvals from BDUK. CDS is also discussing alternative options with BDUK, the Government’s national agency, responsible for the delivery of Gigabit Broadband.
You can read more on the changes here.