The plans by Fibrecity to use the sewage system in Bournemouth to deploy it’s own fibre optic network across the city appear to have been flushed down the pan!
The i3 Group who were planning on offering fibre to the home (FTTH) with broadband speeds up to 100Mb by utilising the sewage systems in Bournemouth to make the deployment far cheaper than would be available by digging up roads.
In a statement sent to PC Pro the CEO of i3 Group, Elfed Thomas said:
“It is our opinion that Wessex Water has been short sighted in putting commercial demands above the opportunity to provide a low-cost fibre optic network that will deliver superfast broadband to their own customers.”
Ian Drury from Wessex Water said:
“The reason the project in Bournemouth didn’t move forward was because there were contractual problems. The technology methodology didn’t work for us, nor did the reward for placing the cables in the sewers.
We would certainly look at other proposals should they arise, if the terms and conditions are right for us. We haven’t ruled out putting fibre-optic cables in sewers.”
Elsewhere, Scottish Water have not had issues with allowing the use of their sewers for the laying of the fibre optic broadband cable by the i3 Group and in-fact say that it generates revenue along with the help and management and repair of pipes.
In the future we should not rule out the possibility that the government and Ofcom may rule that sewerage systems and BTs cable ducts are forced to be made to open up their access to allow others to utilise the infrastructure already there for the laying of fibre optic cables.
I live in BH11 and was one of the first customers to be connected by fibre-optic cabling to the outside of my home. I don’t believe that it makes a difference whether the cable is through the sewers or micro-trenched, Fibrecity are making Bournemouth one of the first fibre-cities in the UK, that’s the main point! I now have a fantastic service with the fibre giving me speeds of around 94Mbps – thanks to Fibreband
Comment by James — August 13, 2010 @ 4:18 pm
Scottish. Water companies, said they benefit from allowing broadband into their ducts because it generates revenue and also helps with the management and repair of pipes. If Scottish Water can be successful with this proven system then Wessex Water has no case to refuse to co-operate
Scottish Water companies have stated, ”Using the sewers, micro-trenching and other innovative techniques means minimal disruption to roads and the network and the approach also creates another revenue stream for Scottish Water.”
It is high time this Government got to grips with utility companies in the UK blatantly abusing their position to the determent of the public. The Government should threaten to fine very heavily any utility company failing to co-ordinate with other companies hence causing our roads to be almost constantly dug up and hindering traffic.
Signed Carl Barron Chairman of agpcuk
Comment by Carl Barron — August 15, 2010 @ 2:37 pm
BH1 were given an estimated date of May-August for installation but I guess this is why we never got it. Add to the fact that Virgin Media won’t extend the cable down our cul-de-sac from the top of the adjoining road and 20 houses are left with only phone-line broadband. Feels like the stone age here. =P I hope Fibrecity find a way to provide cable to the whole of Bournemouth as planned.
Comment by C — December 31, 2010 @ 7:00 pm