Call Flow Finish “Fibre Broadband” Network in Windsor and Maidenhead

Alternative network provider Call Flow Solutions has announced the completion of their Broadband Delivery UK contract for the ‘Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead’ in Berkshire (England), which has expanded the reach of their 30Mbps+ capable FTTC broadband network to an extra 1,750 premises.

The contract, which is linked to the local Superfast Berkshire project, was originally agreed in July 2015 (here) and has been supported by public funding of £415,000 and a private sector contribution worth £120,000 from Call Flow.

Overall some 1,750 homes and businesses in parts of Windsor, Wraysbury, Burchett’s Green and Colnbrook have benefited from the installation of 12 new FTTC (VDSL2) Street Cabinets. Apparently all of those who have connected to the new network are said to be “exceeding the predicted speeds,” with some gaining a consistent download speed of 80Mbps.

Overall this takes the number of broadband improvements to in excess of 25,000 premises across Berkshire and almost 93% superfast broadband coverage in the RBWM region.

Andy Conibere, MD of Call Flow Solutions, told ISPreview.co.uk:

“We are delighted to have completed the vast majority of our fibre superfast broadband network in the Royal Borough on time.

Working in and around central Windsor has presented a variety of interesting challenges which involved careful co-ordination between a number of parties. The more outlying areas have been less difficult and we are now looking forward to connecting our first superfast customers.

Experience shows that there is significant demand for fast internet, and we plan to raise awareness of the newly available services at every opportunity, so that potential customers know they can finally move out of the digital slow lane. There is some residual work to extend our network to Temple but we hope this can be completed in early 2017.”

Cllr Simon Dudley, Leader of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, said:

“For those people and businesses in more rural areas of the borough this project has already proved a welcome and very vital addition. It also has the potential to be hugely beneficial to those who still currently have slower broadband speeds.

We want to make superfast broadband more accessible to as many residents and businesses as possible; it’s so important not just for the economy but keeping families and friends connected.”

The network that Call Flow has deployed typically represents a Sub-Loop Unbundled (SLU) approach within Openreach’s (BT) network, with the ISP building their own street cabinets (Openreach remain responsible for the provision, maintenance and repair of the SLU circuit).

Admittedly the original plan was to complete the delivery of this network by mid-2016, although that was stated before the civil work had begun. Originally Call Flow had also posted additional bids for upgrades in Reading and Wokingham, but due to a technicality it was not possible to get these contracts authorised under the EU State Aid requirement before the previous deadline of 30th June 2015.