This page has information for residents in and around Ffairfach who are interested in getting gigabit-capable broadband (aka ‘fibre to the premises’).
This is being achieved through the Broadband Upgrade Fund:
To ensure the hardest-to-reach areas are not left behind and can access improved broadband services, the government has introduced a pilot campaign for homes and businesses in three rural areas of the UK, called the Broadband Upgrade Fund, as part of the national Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme. The aim is to help capture public interest in faster, more reliable broadband in each of the pilot areas. This will encourage suppliers to extend their broadband networks to meet demand and the government will help to fund the cost of the work.
There is also an active Facebook group which has more information about this scheme and what is happening in Ffairfach especially useful now as the process seems to have been severely delayed since the collapse of Broadway Partners last year:
ConnectCennen4FasterInternet Facebook GroupMore information about the Broadband Upgrade Fund
Updates:
September 2023
Broadway Partners was bought as an ongoing concern by Voneus
June 2023
Broadway falls into Administration. The collective understanding is that the adminstrator for Broadway will aim to have the business sold as an on-going concern. If that happens then our project will then the buyer will become legally accountable for our project.If a buyer cannot be found for the whole company, then its assets (of which our project would be counted as) could be sold to another vendor. Therefore at this point in time, there is still a relatively strong possibility that our project will go ahead.
24th January 2021
There are currently two potential suppliers to provide improved broadband services in our area:
Broadway Partners, see their presentation below. Simon Williams is the co-ordinator for this supplier www.facebook.com/groups
Openreach, Sion Wilcox is the co-ordinator for this supplier www.ffairfach.weebly.com
These co-ordinators will work with the suppliers to provide zoom calls for the communities once discussions around the proposals are sufficiently detailed. The steps outlined are:
- an estimate for each proposal
- within each proposal, estimated cost at each premise level address
- Ask them for the earliest start date they could begin within signing of a contract say in April/May
- Ask them for the estimated completion date of the complete work package
- Ask them to provide a project plan which shows us the sequence of work at postcode level, so we can see roughly when each postcode will be worked on
- What are the risk factors they have identified for the work which may prevent the work being completed for a given premise
5th January 2021
Following on from the Broadband Upgrade Fund campaign, you may be aware that suppliers have expressed an interest in your area. To see which suppliers are interested in your area you will need to log in to the portal – Log in | Broadband Upgrade Fund (campaign.gov.uk) At this stage there are still no contractual obligations by either party to proceed.
1. Broadway Partners have expressed an interest in your area, they have asked that you receive this presentation on their behalf. Please see below. For more information please contact – info@broadwaypartners.co.uk
Broadway Partners presentation
2. Beacons Telecom have also expressed an interest in your area and are offering online meetings for a chance to discuss further.
Map they shared in the presentations – it shows the potential maximum speeds for properties in our area:
Please use the Comment section below if you would like to ask any questions or give any feedback: