Message forwarded by Colin Case. From: "Shropshire Council" <
ukshropshire@public.govdelivery.com>
Date: 26 Jan 2016 15:32
Subject: Update from Connecting Shropshire
To: <
colin@rxit.org.uk>
Cc:
| A round-up of what's been going on in the programme in the last month |
 | January 2016 update  | 
Our online map and checker makes it easier for you to find out about the availability of fibre broadband in your area, and at an individual premises level. | A roundup of what's been going on in the programme 68 exchange areas are now 'accepting orders' with one or more cabinets providing fibre broadband thanks to Connecting Shropshire: The latest exchange areas where fibre broadband has become available are: - Acton Burnell
- Childs Ercall
- Cockshutt
- Dudleston Heath
- Llanymynech
- Marshbrook
- Norton
- Pipegate
- Sambrook
- Worthen
Basic broadband subsidy scheme  The Government has committed to giving access to 2Mbps download speed (a basic broadband service) to every premises in the UK from the end of 2015. As part of this commitment Connecting Shropshire, in conjunction with Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK), is making available the option of a subsidised satellite broadband connection for eligible premises. The Basic Broadband Subsidy Scheme provides support towards the cost of the installation of a satellite broadband connection so that a basic broadband service can be purchased for a first year cost of no more than £400 (taking account of any up-front costs and the 12 month service charges). The scheme can also be used to access more expensive packages with higher speeds and/or greater monthly data allowances. You will only be eligible if your premises has access to download speeds of less than 2Mbps. Likewise, if you are likely to benefit from superfast broadband within 12 months of your application, you may not wish to enter into a minimum 12 month contract with a satellite broadband service provider under the scheme, and may prefer to wait until superfast broadband becomes available to you. Further details about the scheme can be found on our website. | Make the Switch campaign The Connecting Shropshire roll-out has put 47,000 homes and businesses within reach of a fibre broadband service. To date, only around 20% of those premises that are able to connect to the new fibre optic network have actually chosen to do so. We think this is partly because people wrongly assume that, once fibre broadband has been 'switched on' in their area, they'll automatically get faster speeds without having to do anything. But that's not the case. Find out how to make the switch. Mobile phone coverage In January, Shropshire Council's Deputy Leader Steve Charmley hosted a meeting with Ofcom and the mobile network operators to highlight the need to improve mobile phone signal coverage in the county. This was a follow-up to a briefing held in June 2015 to hear about progress. The session heard from Ofcom, the UK communications regulator, BT and representatives from mobile operators EE, O2, Three & Vodafone. Steve Charmley said: "The meeting was very focused on finding ways to improve the situation for those who visit, live and work in Shropshire. Shropshire Councillors and local MPs forcefully made the case for improved mobile coverage in the county, as many tourism and small businesses are struggling to survive with poor mobile connectivity. There was a common agreement amongst those in the audience that things are going from bad to worse, and we need to work with the industry and the regulator to address the issues that are hampering improvements as quickly and efficiently as possible. Shropshire Council will continue to act as a conduit between all parties to make sure this happens." Tale a look at Ofcom's mobile coverage checker to find out which operator provides the best coverage where you live/work (example below),  Contact Details  | |
-- Yoland Brown Brownhill House B&B & Garden, Ruyton XI Towns nr. Shrewsbury SY4 1LR Tel: 01939 261 121 brownhill@eleventowns.co.uk www.eleventowns.co.uk www.eleventowns.org uk www.eleventowns.com ShACC - Shropshire Alternative Car Club - www.ShACC-uk.org MAILING LIST for Ruyton XI Towns area Yo`s blog: http://Yo-emails.blogspot.co.uk
