Page 6 - link magazine

Community News
4G broadband battle goes to planning committee

Swindon Borough Council and UKB strong interest but see a state aided
Networks have responded to claims project like the UKB 4G plan as
that their plans for a 4G network competition and will not proceed
across the town is “out-dated” until this is thrown out.”
and “unwanted”, as the result of In July 2014, Swindon Borough
a protest in Haydon End during Council and the Department for
January. Culture, Media and Sport each
The council have a partnership agreed to invest up to £1.5 million
with UKB Networks to bring a 4G of funding to extend superfast
LTE network to the town, a deal broadband coverage in non-
worth £2m. commercially viable areas. From left: Cllr Mary Friend, Labour candidate Rob Heath, Priory Vale
Rural residents are benefiting Colin Polonowski, one of the
from the increase in coverage, North Swindon residents protesting resident Harriet Maltby, Cllr Vera Tomlinson with protesting residents
but in North Swindon people are the plans, said: “The 4G solution
adamant the service is nullifying is technically inadequate for the solution for the area.” “UK Broadband’s new Outdoor
interest from other companies such residents of North Swindon as it In response, Will Harnden, The Unit will have speeds of at least
as Virgin and their fibre broadband doesn’t meet the OFCOM guidelines Chief Marketing Officer of UKB 24mbps in line with the BDUK
options. for ‘Superfast Broadband’ (anything Networks said: “We offered ward requirements for superfast
The plans have been campaigned over 30mbps). councillors the opportunity of site broadband.”
against by North Swindon MP “We are protesting because the visits to discuss potential solutions Cllr Mary Martin, Cabinet
Justin Tomlinson who said: “I have council have carried out no market to concerns, although unfortunately Member for Corporate, Customer
pleaded with Swindon Borough research and all expected uptake is they declined. and Digital Services, said: “The
Council for eight months to step based on the UK Broadband sales “We hope that they will take our Council undertook a fair and
back from the 4G proposals. There team’s opinions.” offer up in future. open procurement process for the
is absolutely no support from Harriet Maltby, a Priory Vale “Our technology is proven to work project, overseen by BDUK, and had
residents for this unstable, out- resident, said: “The residents and is used in Chiseldon already. no interest from Virgin or BT.
dated technology. of North Swindon made it very Paul Walton, of Chiseldon Parish “If enough people take up the
“We need fibre and SBC should clear that fibre was the answer Council, says it has transformed service, UKB Networks have publicly
be channelling every effort into to local need, but the council are how his family uses the internet stated they will install fibre at their
discussions with BT and other major proceeding with this inadequate 4G and that they are now getting own cost.”
providers. scheme regardless. download speeds of 45mb. It is also Planning applications for 4G
“It is technology that’s five years “We urge the Council to listen in use in Italy by 200,000 people masts are due to go before a
out of date. Virgin have shown to residents and pursue a fibre and 100,000 people in Ireland. planning committee on 9 February.

6 Star Service from
Trevor Salter Blinds to compliment your home

✰ View and select in your own
home - day or evening Pleated Blinds | Blackout Blinds | Honey Comb Blinds
✰ Free no obligation Non Velux Roof Blinds | Velux Roof Blinds | Vertical Blinds
measuring and quoting Venetian Blinds | Roman Blinds | Roller Blinds
✰ Luxury underlay, all We offer a huge range of styles and We supply and install
accessories and installation colors. We fit with minimal disruption beautiful blinds from
included in the price! and take down existing blinds. as little as £37.00
✰ Competitive prices:
Our customers tell us so See the carpet or floor covering of
✰ Old carpets lifted and your choice, where it will be enjoyed,
removed next to your other furnishings,
✰ Furniture moved and receive the benefit of 35 years
as required of experience in Swindon
No hidden extras; no obligation - just great service
Challenge me to beat your existing quotes.
You will be pleasantly surprised
SAVE Take a peak at our unbeatable prices!
Call Trevor:
01793 812995 or 07860 882588 10% OFF Call 01793 338056
or email: [email protected] your first order
www.carpetsswindon.co.uk with this advert www.nothingbutblinds.co.uk

6 swindonlink.com n February 2016