Rural Broadband Initiative Sees Reduced Scope

A program designed to furnish rural communities with broadband connectivity has been scaled back. Connecting Devon and Somerset (CDS) had initially collaborated with broadband provider Airband to deliver fibre broadband connections to 55,493 premises across the region. However, Airband has now decided to reduce its new build activities following a restructure and will consequently connect 27,171 of the originally planned properties. Councillor Mike Rigby, a CDS Board Member and Somerset Council Lead Member for Planning, Economic Development and Assets, stated: “CDS will do everything it can to help communities get a connection as we know how vital it is for rural communities to have decent broadband.” He further added: “Naturally we’re disappointed that many local residents who should have been receiving access to fibre broadband will no longer benefit from these contracts.” CDS is engaging in discussions regarding alternative solutions with Building Digital UK (BDUK), the government agency responsible for the rollout of Gigabit Broadband, and is pressing them to initiate rural voucher applications in areas that Airband will no longer cover. Councillor Rufus Gilbert, a CDS Board Member and Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Economic Recovery and Skills, commented: “We’re urging BDUK to work with us to find solutions to the communities that are missing out.” Since signing the contract with CDS in 2020, Airband has completed 18,794 new connections. The company has committed to delivering an additional 8,377 connections as part of the contracts, and this could potentially lead to a further 10,997 connections for properties not included under the agreement. Kash Rahman, managing director at Airband, remarked: “We’re sorry if this news comes as a disappointment to residents who are waiting for better connectivity.” He also noted: “To date, investment from CDS has provided better broadband access to more than 325,000 homes and businesses – that’s more than any other broadband programme/partnership in the country.” The remaining contracts with Airband are anticipated to be completed by June 2025.