Mardler June 2018 JS

Village Information
Better Broadband for Brockdish and Thorpe Abbotts
Update
We are disappointed to report that there is likely to be a delay
in progressing the ‘Fibre to the Premises’ initiative by B4RN.
Following recent discussions between B4RN East Anglia and
the parent ‘community interest company’ in Lancashire, B4RN
East Anglia is ‘pausing’. The parent company retains a
positive commitment to move forward with enthusiastic village
communities locally but at a more measured pace, parish by
parish, as localities are able to demonstrate their ability to
raise the funds and necessary volunteers. The parent
company have decided that, while there is much enthusiasm
and volunteer commitment in Norfolk, they are unable to
provide sufficient back up and know-how to progress projects
quickly. B4RN say they will be appointing a professional
employee to progress the Scole initiative and then look to
adjacent parishes to continue in due course. The new
appointee will not be in place for some months.
This is disappointing for those of us who believe that a solid
‘fibre to the premises’ solution is the only way to future proof
our broadband needs but, possibly having professional, input
may eventually produce a more satisfactory final project.
Meanwhile, The BT Openreach website reports that we can
now get “superfast broadband” in our postcodes and there is
no doubt that there has been a marked improvement in the
availability and speeds available from the copper wire and
fibre solutions from Openreach since the new cabinets were
installed. Speeds so far are only half what they claim but for
many people this is at least a workable solution temporarily.
To see if your household can get the increased speeds, go to
https://www.homeandbusiness.openreach.co.uk/fibrebroadband/when-can-i-get-fibre?
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