As previously reported, two companies have expressed a strong interest in providing fibre infrastructure for broadband using the Government Broadband Voucher Scheme, which allows residents to apply for a Gigabit Voucher from the Government. This voucher entitles the resident to free full fibre installation by the nominated company and in return the resident must enter into a broadband contract with the company. Current information suggests that BT Openreach has no commercial interest in installing fibre to those Chelford homes connected to the outdated copper wire network.
The second company, Kloud9, recently gave a presentation to the Parish Council, outlining their offer for installing fibre across the Parish, which like VISPA, is dependent on demand from residents. Kloud9 has yet to undertake any detailed investigation or planning in Chelford, but the company has identified the Parish as a project for serious consideration.
Whilst the Parish Council is not in a position to make commercial recommendations, the proposals should be seriously considered by residents. For many, the current broadband system is inefficient, slow and frustrating and the installation of fibre for residents and businesses would bring significant benefits to the Parish. Whilst homes on the two new housing developments have fibre broadband, many homes in the Parish have to rely on a slow and outdated BT infrastructure. Homeowners may also wish to consider that fibre broadband may add value to their property.
The websites for the companies VISPA and Kloud9, will provide useful information (www.vispa.net and www.kloud9.co.uk) or you may wish to contact the company direct to find out about fibre installation and the contracts available. Further research on the internet will give you an idea of how this kind of installation has worked elsewhere.
The Parish Council will also keep residents updated via the Parish Council website: www.chelfordparishcouncil.org.uk