Heather is challenging Voneus the new provider of full-fibre broadband to rural South West Shropshire to be more forthcoming about their programme after widespread confusion amongst residents about their activities.
Heather, said: “Basically this is good news bringing broadband to rural dwellers who have suffered until now with a poor connection.
“However, we have had very, very little information about precisely who is receiving the new fibre connection (and who is not!) and what is the timescale for delivery. All we have had is one large scale map of Western Shropshire covered in yellow dots that gives very little detail”
“Work is being carried out by Voneus or their contractors in preparation for delivering full-fibre broadband. Several places have seen fibre work going on around roads and on verges and residents have kept asking me about it.”
Voneus bought SWS Broadband (who provided broadband service via Wireless) last year. In April 2024 BDUK ( the Organisation set up by the Government to deliver broadband ) gave them the contract for mid-west Shropshire (6,089 premises) The public subsidy for the contract is £12m. This is to be delivered by the end of 2026.
Heather concluded “We now know that the fibre being put in will enable connection to each house in the area. This will be a tremendous improvement for many or our rural households.
“Voneus is currently the only Internet Service Provider (ISP) offering services over their full-fibre broadband network but they’ll have to make the network available to other ISPs as a condition of the BDUK contract This means it should be available for your present provider to use.
“It would be really helpful if Voneus would talk to communities, parish and County Councillors to give us more detail – and even advertise it! It should be a rural good news story after all this time!
“What also concerns me is Voneus’ track record on delivery of their existing service . Since VONEUS took over from SWS is providing broadband cover for much of our area there have been many complaints about the service. They are now assuring me that the existing service will be improved over the next week or so!”
Notes:
This is part of the Government’s Project Gigabit programme.
Voneous are installing the fibre and have the contract to maintain it.
Voneus full-fibre broadband packages last for two years: https://www.voneus.com/best-broadband-packages
Other providers should be available.