Superfast Broadband is coming to rural Nottinghamshire!

What is broadband?

Broadband is a connection to the internet that is always on, allowing for constant access without the need to dial up. It is normally provided at a fixed cost per month, and has a much larger capacity to send and receive data to and from the internet than the old dial-up internet connection. This makes web browsing, emailing, downloading and sending files much faster.

As the internet becomes more important in business and domestic life, fast broadband connectivity becomes vital. Broadband packages can now include internet access, telephone and multi-channel TV. The Government is committed to delivering broadband access to everyone in the country by 2015, with minimum speeds of 2Mbps and using as great a proportion of superfast solutions as possible. Superfast broadband has been clarified to mean at least 24Mbps.

What will the project provide, and what difference will it mean to me?

The project will provide substantial upgrades to the broadband infrastructure.

By the end of 2015, 90% of our homes and businesses will have access to the benefits of fibre broadband and the remaining premises in the project area will have access to at least 2Mbps.

How do I get broadband?

Once you've checked your line to confirm what type of broadband is available to you, you can order broadband by contacting the different Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in your area, so you can just shop around and choose the best deal for you. There are consumer comparison sites to help you compare providers, such as Choose.

Where and when will I get it?

We’ll keep you updated with as much information as possible here, as soon as we know it.

What is superfast broadband?

Superfast broadband is defined by Ofcom as offering speeds faster than 24Mbps. The Government’s target is that 90% of homes and businesses in each upper tier local authority area (i.e. Nottinghamshire county) should be able to access superfast broadband by 2015. There is a universal service commitment that every premise should be able to access a 2 megabits per second connection.

What is fibre broadband?

Fibre broadband is the new generation of broadband - much faster, more reliable and it uses a different technology. Whilst traditional broadband  delivered via copper telephone lines, fibre broadband incorporates fibre optic cable in the link between the customer and the exchange.

Fibre broadband can be delivered in two ways: fibre to the premise (FTTP) and fibre to the cabinet (FTTC).

FTTP means fibre-optic cables run right to the door of the home or business. It provides wholesale download speeds up to 330Mbps and upload of up to 30Mbps.

FTTC uses fibre-optic cables throughout the network right up to the street cabinet. It then uses copper wires to connect the cabinet to homes and businesses. FTTC provides wholesale download speeds up to 80Mbps and upload speeds up to 20Mbps.

How do I find out if I’m going to get fibre broadband?

The most up-to-date information on the fibre rollout will be available by using the postcode checker.

What about the estimated number of up to 10% of homes and businesses that will not be able to get fibre broadband?

We’re aiming to bring faster broadband to as many homes and businesses as possible by the end of 2015, making use of other technologies such as wireless, satellite and advanced copper.

When fibre broadband becomes available in my area, will my broadband simply get faster without me taking any action?

No. To get fibre broadband, you'll need to place an order with an Internet Service Provider (ISP). This is because fibre broadband uses a different technology and an engineer will need to visit your premises to install the necessary equipment.

There are several ISPs offering fibre broadband in North Yorkshire so you can shop around and choose the package that’s best for you. If you choose not to upgrade to fibre broadband, you'll be able to continue using your existing broadband service as normal.

Why are we not getting 4G?

The infrastructure is not yet in place to provide 4G across the county, like it is in more densely populated areas such as cities. Also, as a public body, we are only permitted to invest in regulated products only. However, the improvements made through this project are a step towards getting 4G in the future.

Will I need a telephone line to get broadband?

The most common access to broadband is through a telephone line. Also popular in some urban areas are cable services via Virgin Media, which often includes a telephone line as part of the package. However, there are other ways to receive broadband that do not need a telephone line:

• 3G mobile phones
• Satellite
• Fibre optic cables (in a very limited area)
• Wi-Fi connectivity in town and city centres.

Do I have to use the provider who has the contract as my internet service provider?

No.  The project is operating an open network, which means that once the work is complete, you will have a choice of at least two service providers. You will be able to shop around for the best package to suit your needs

Which services will I be able to buy, and from which suppliers?

We’re not able to say which suppliers will be providing services in which areas for reasons of commercial confidentiality.  However, we are working to ensure that as many service providers as possible can offer services, thus ensuring competition, value for money and choice. Please contact broadband providers for further details of when services will be available.

What can residents, communities and businesses do to help bring broadband to their area?

Once we are clear on the deployment plan we’ll be able to know when and where broadband improvements are happening. You can help in the meantime by:

• Promoting the demand stimulation workshops that are happening throughout the County in 2013 Link to news and events page
• Including information in your newsletters and on your website
  
• Making superfast broadband a standing agenda item at your meetings
• Telling all your contacts to sign up to our Facebook page
• Keep talking about broadband – we need to create a buzz and you have a key role to play in this.