Activation date was 8th August 2005
Dave Siddons has been doing some sterling work behind the scenes in finding out what has happened.
So if you are sitting comfortably then I will begin
This is the E-Mail he sent me the other day
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Hi Nige,
Thought you may like to hear the latest (maybe bang it on the website).
Broadband state of play as of today.
Highley exchange is upgraded to the required standard.
All that remains is to install the link from Alveley exchange. This was intended to be a fibre-optic link through BT's existing ducting (across the Highley/Alveley bridge). BT started this work without consultation and needed access to the bridge contractors site to run the fibre optic through. The contractor, however, objected to the council as their liability insurance only covered copper cable and consequently their tender was priced accordingly. The council informed BT that if they wished to continue the laying of the fibre optic then they (BT) would be liable for any costs if it were damaged by the contractors (BT had been poor to communicate their intentions throughout the past year). In addition to this it was identified that a blockage existed in the BT ducting as the base of pit bank. The work required to repair this blockage would mean the closure of the Highley/Alveley right of way causing much inconvenience to local workers (footpaths would still be an option). It would also appear that 2 protected species thrive in the country park and that any work would require a permit from DEFRA (BT have not applied for this). Doesn't look too good.
However ........ (cut to bright-light-at-end-of-tunnel-scene).
Having spoken to a gentleman by the name of Ian Binks on 26/06/2005 it would appear that the Highley broadband issue is now top of the agenda for many senior BT staff. He informed that the actual deadline for broadband for anywhere as part of this scheme is in fact 31/07/2005 and that all other dates were merely guidelines. The fibre optic cable solution is now almost a non-runner due to the carious point made above. The option BT are now exploring is the installation of a microwave link between Alveley and Highley. If this is viable (line of sight exists) then this will be the way they proceed and 31/07 will still be possible. He hopes to contact me on 28/06/2005 with more information.
So.......
Things may be looking up.
Cheers....
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Previous
Well the date has come and gone and still no broadband connection. The activation date disappeared off their website the day before and replaced with the old one that says "It is not available at this exchange and they are looking into new technology to bring it to us". Well a snotty telephone call to them about this got the reply that it is "in the hands of the Engineers and we will have it next Wednesday 22/06/2005".
WE WILL SEE
If you are reading this then you will probably be interested in what Dave Siddons has to say on the matter.
Did you know Highley has the opportunity to have broadband which would mean Internet access speeds up to 10 times quicker than via a telephone line. And this service would operate 24 hours a day without interrupting your normal phone line.
As a fellow Highley resident I am sending this flyer to ask all existing Internet users to register their interest at the following website
www.btopenworld.com/votebroadband
Follow the instructions on screen. All they require is your telephone number and address details.
There are currently around 80 of you already registered. We need 400+.
There is no commitment or contract and you are not signing up to a thing other than showing your interest.
It is also possible for friends and relatives to register as well even if they do not have internet access just enter their details, with their permission of course.
Any questions please call me. Dave Siddons. on 862133 or email:davesiddons@lineone.net
Thank you for our support
Dave Siddons
All you need to do is put your telephone number in the search box and submit. Then click on the button marked VOTE BROADBAND and fill the form in.
(I would like to add our support to this campaign Nigel Packer Highleyshrop.co.uk)
14/09/2005