07.08 Update
Hello Neighbours,
I spoke with Jack from AllPoints Fibre yesterday, and it looks like the build on Grays Close is going ahead.
They need to obtain access to OpenReach’s manhole located on Grayswood Road, from which they will thread the fibre through ducting to the beginning of Highercombe Road. From there, they will dig the whole length of Highercombe Road all the way to Grays Close and will use OpenReach’s poles to connect our homes (please see the attached plan Jack provided).
Jack told me that they would need a maximum of one week to complete this. However, the manhole cover is damaged, and they first need to ask OpenReach to clear the access for them. OpenReach is obliged to do this within two months from the request, but it usually takes them around a month. So fingers crossed, if there are no further obstacles, we should be able to order from SwishFibre within six weeks. Jack will provide us with updates at every step.
Note to our neighbours on Highercombe Road and Three Gates Lane: Jack mentioned that there are not enough registrations so far, but they are monitoring them. As soon as the number of registrations crosses the threshold (I’ve been told at least 30%), he will be in touch with all those who registered.
Best regards,
Rafael
Original post
My name is Rafael, and I live at The Oaks Grays Close, Haslemere.
I hope this letter finds you well.
I’m reaching out about the exclusion of our neighbourhood from the broadband upgrade.
I’m not sure if you are aware, but in 2020, Haslemere was fortunate to be included in the nationwide project to upgrade the telecommunication infrastructure to a fibre network. This initiative aims to connect at least 85% of premises to fibre network by 2026, offering a new standard in telecommunication technology.
Initially, our neighbourhood was scheduled to be connected by November 2021. However, due to unexplained delays, the project was postponed several times and ultimately abandoned. As a result, our neighbourhood is among the 15% of premises that won’t be upgraded.
To find out more about fibre, please [click here]
With today’s technology, streaming services replacing satellite broadcasting, traditional landlines being retired in favour of digital lines, and not to mention more tech-savvy technologies like smart homes, the demand for data transfer capacity is much greater than it used to be.
The older, copper line technology already struggles with current demands, and as fibre became a new standard the new digital services facilitate its capabilities, further negatively impacting those whose lines were not upgraded.
For those interested in how fibre compares to copper broadband, here is a quick comparison table based on my current copper provider, and Swish Fibre packages available in Haslemere:
| Download | Upload | Monthly cost | |
|---|---|---|---|
| My current copper broadband | 24 Mbps | 5 Mbps | £22.00 first 12 months, £35.50 thereafter |
| Swish Fibre Plan A | 150 Mbps | 150 Mbps | £28.00 |
| Swish Fibre Plan B | 400 Mbps | 400 Mbps | £35.00 |
| Swish Fibre Plan C | 900 Mbps | 900 Mbps | £42.00 |
Please see the image below, showing the reach, marked in blue, of the fibre network.
Although our neighbourhood is no longer in the plans, there is still a chance for us to get connected.
To give us a chance of being reconsidered in the fibre network plans, the only thing we need to do is register our interest on the websites of three providers serving our neighbourhood. Please note this is a no-obligation registration, and for the most effective outcome, it is advisable to register with all three providers, even if you have registered in the past.
Most importantly, AllPoints Fibre: [here], which is a ‘Community Engagement team’ working with Swish Fibre.
It also is advisable to register with Swish Fibre: [here] and OpenReach: [here].
The more of us that register, the greater the chances of our area being reincluded in their future plans.
If you have any questions or need assistance with the registration process, I am more than happy to help. If you would like to discuss it further, please leave a comment below.
I am in contact with Swish Fibre, OpenReach, and our Town and County Councils. Therefore, I would greatly appreciate it if you could let me know whether you decide to sign up. This will help me determine the best time to follow up with my direct contacts and advocate for our inclusion.
Thank you for your time.
Best regards,
Rafael
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