Bringing better and faster broadband to West Sussex
A provisional proposal was submitted to BDUK by West Sussex for consideration but had been delayed due to European intervention. On the 20th Nov 2012 The Governments plans got the green light from Brussels so that now State Aid has been granted and the process can now proceed.
West Sussex is in position 11 in the BDUK pipeline of projects and it is hoped that we are on track to sign a contract with a preferred supplier in Spring 2013
A list of priorities has been drawn up by the steering group as to who to and when high speed broadband should be rolled out. For example Business parks or known concentrations of Businesses have been flagged for priority.
It is likely that BT will be the preferred supplier and pressure needs to be levied on them to ensure that these areas take priority over other.
I have already asked the question why Pound Hill and Worth have been made Infinity (Fibre Optic) enabled when the area has been Fibre Optic enabled for 15 years via Virgin Media. I am currently running at 100Meg (Virgin Media)and shortly will be upgraded to 120Meg.
Areas of business like Town Centre and Manor Royal have not been fibre enabled because BT believes it will earn more income from areas like Pound Hill and Worth rather than investing where it is really needed.
There is no one overseeing BT telling them which areas should be a priority. I believe that the Government should take a more active part in telling BT which are the priority areas that must be completed before rolling out to other more BT profitable areas.
It has been suggested that all Businesses that are hoping for high speed broadband should write to their Local MP to ask them to bring the subject up during question time as to whether the Government could put pressure on BT to concentrate on business installations first.
I will keep all members informed as to the progress of the BDUK submission.
The next meeting of the Broadband Steering Group is planned for Jan 2013
For more information go to www.westsussex.gov.uk/broadband
Geoff Williamson – Business, Community & Environment Portfolio Holder
