Response to UK Government broadband programme evaluation

6th September, 2018 | Press release

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The roll-out of superfast broadband needs to be speeded up but is being hampered by red tape at local government level, including the time-consuming and expensive permits required by local highways agencies, said internet service provider, Airband.

The Worcester-based rural broadband specialist, which has recently becoming the UK’s first hybrid broadband provider, (with both a wireless and a fibre offering), was responding to the release today of the Government’s ‘Evaluation of the Economic Impact and Public Value of the Superfast Broadband Programme’.

Red Peel, founder and director of Airband, commented:

“Today’s report shows the Government’s investment in rural broadband is starting to have an impact but there remains a lot to be done, to ensure that roll-out of superfast programmes is as swift as possible.

“The number one problem is the way that councils manage their highways agencies, – often expensive and time-consuming permits are needed for fibre roll-out. Permits can sometimes require a six-month notification window. This is causing a lot of frustration in the industry, and is significantly pushing up the cost of deploying fibre, and almost negating the cost benefits the government is offering.”

Airband is the delivery partner for a number of projects across the UK as part of the Government Superfast broadband rollout. It has recently finished building a fixed wireless network in Dartmoor and Exmoor, as part of an ambitious three-year project providing superfast access across the famous national parks. It is also part of Shropshire Council’s £11.2m Superfast broadband programme, bringing Superfast broadband to parts of Shropshire that would not otherwise be able to access it. Airband will be providing Superfast broadband access to over 14,000 homes and businesses in Shropshire Council area by 2020.

ENDS