Dear Clerk

   

This is to update you on the planned roll-out of broadband in your parish, under the Connecting Devon & Somerset (CDS) programme.   

   

As you are no doubt aware, CDS contracted with broadband supplier Airband in late 2020 to deliver fibre broadband to communities across Devon & Somerset over the course of three years, concluding at the end of 2024. Your parish is covered by cluster NF046. Unfortunately, Airband has faced a range of challenges over the intervening years which have delayed delivery of these contracts.    

   

However, following Airband’s restructure earlier this year, the company is seeking to maximise take up across its existing network while slowing down on build activity which means it can no longer complete its contracted build for CDS in full. As a result, in April, Airband sought a change to its contract.  

 

Since then, CDS has worked closely with the Airband to retain as much coverage across as many communities as possible under the scope of our contracts. This process has had some success in allowing further clusters to be built and I'm pleased to be able to let you know that NF046 is one of them - however, there will be a delay. 

   

This will clearly be extremely disappointing for you and your parishioners, and we share your frustration.    

   

We will naturally contact you again once we have clarity on a more detailed timeline for build in your parish. However, in the interim, should you wish to discuss this further, please don't hesitate to contact me to arrange a call.   

   

Kind regards 

 

Susie

 

Susanna Jones

 

Economic Development Officer (Marketing & Stakeholder Engagement)

Economic Infrastructure & Strategic Intelligence

5th November 2024