Devon and Somerset UK Issue Jan 2023 Airband FTTP Build Update

The Connecting Devon and Somerset (CDS) programme in England and UK ISP Airband have today issued a new January 2023 update on their Phase 2 contract to deploy a gigabit-capable Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) broadband network across the region, which reveals some of the next areas to benefit.

The work reflects Airband’s existing deal with CDS, which stems from their £25.5m state aid supported Phase 2 contract that will see them cover more than 40,000 premises with their full fibre network (here and here); this is currently still expected to complete by the end of 2024.

In terms of the latest build developments, the new full fibre network is now live in areas of Cotford St Luke, Staplegrove, and Monkton in Somerset, as well as parts of Bradninch, Tiverton, Calverleigh, Cruwys Morchard, Halberton, Nomansland, Withleigh, Powderham, Bishopsteignton, Luscombe and Tavistock in Devon.

However, it’s also noted that, due to the current pressures on areas of recruitment and retention, as well as challenges in securing wayleave (land access) agreements, supply of materials and civil engineering capacity, Airband – in agreement with CDS and BDUK (Building Digital UK) – has “revised its build plans for its contracted areas covering Taunton, West Somerset, East Devon, Mid Devon, Exeter, Teignbridge and the South Hams” (by revised we assume they mean delayed).

Jan 2023 Build Update (Airband’s CDS Contract)

➤ Work is also nearing completion on providing access to a further 1,150 homes and businesses in Berry Pomeroy in south Devon, which are all expected to be ready for service in the spring.

➤ Construction is currently ongoing to provide full fibre access to almost 600 premises in Stogumber and West Bagbourough in Somerset where build is expected to be completed this coming spring.

➤ Work is due to start shortly in Somerset to provide access to more than 1,020 premises in Taunton, more than 760 in Neroche, and over 1,070 in parts of Wellington and some of its surrounding communities such as Langford Budville and Holywell Lake.

➤ In Devon, work will be starting this winter to build access to more than 3,000 premises from Exeter to Silverton, almost 900 premises from Thurlestone to Salcombe, over 840 in Dawlish, more than 750 at Stover, over 700 in Dartmouth, more than 600 premises from Marldon to Combe Fishacre, and over 130 premises from Roborough to Elfordleigh.

➤ In the spring, work is scheduled to get underway in parts of Bridgwater, Huntspill, Ruishton, Stoke St Gregory, Westonzoyland, as well as in parts of Colyton, Gittisham and Sidmouth.

Redmond Peel, Founder and Director of Airband, said he was “very pleased with the progress made on this project so far. … Compared with more urban settings, building, maintaining and upgrading rural broadband networks can present some unique challenges – for instance to date, across the whole project, we have applied for and obtained over 550 wayleaves. Working closely with CDS, we strive to meet these challenges head on and are looking forward to connecting many more communities in 2023 and beyond.”

According to CDS, a huge amount of infrastructure work is due to take place over the next 12 months, which will eventually provide access to a further 14,000 premises.