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Back in 2011, anecdotal evidence suggested that there had been a problem regarding broadband access in Penallt for some time. However, there was no real evidence for its extent, so a survey was carried out in late 2011/early 2012 to investigate further. This revealed that the average broadband speed in Penallt is 1.1 Mb/s, whereas the national average is 7.6 Mb/s (Ofcom – November 2011). Penallt’s speed is about 15% of the national average therefore. More details of the findings can be found here.
A small group was formed to tackle this problem. Various third party providers were considered as a result of which Spectrum Internet was commissioned to provide a microwave link between Monmouth and cabinet 20 in Lone Lane which solved the problem, at least for those connected to this cabinet.
The pages below form a record of how the project started, was developed and then completed in 2013.
The first four pages outline the position in late 2011/early 2012:-
What’s the problem? – gives survey results
Why is there a problem? – reasons for poor broadband in Penallt
What solutions are there? – what mainstream broadband provision existed
Third party providers – outlines what other solutions were possible
Survey results – March 2012 survey of residents to gauge interest in having better broadband
MCC Survey – March 2012 survey associated with £45000 grant from MCC
May village meeting – first meeting with Spectrum with those expressing interest (May 2012)
Next steps – update on progress since May 2012
Penallt broadband association update – the position in October 2012, including funding
Press release Nov 2012 – details of work done and confirmation of contract with Spectrum Internet
November meeting – Spectrum explaining the scheme (Nov 2012)
Getting connected – advice on switching to Spectrum (Nov 2012)
FAQ – more on what the scheme should provide (Nov 2012)
Spectrum FAQ – Spectrum’s own Q&A page (Nov 2012)
Spectrum update – messages from Spectrum/Penallt Broadband Association (Nov 2012 – Mar 2013)
New applicants – how to apply for those new to the scheme (Nov 2012)
May update – limitations of scheme with respect to The Birches and Tregagle residents (May 2013)
May summary – notes from the meeting regarding The Birches and Tregagle (May 2013)
Two years on – a review of the project’s successes and continued issues (Oct 2013)
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