Good News, the sign up for the ultrafast Broadband has now hit over 60% of the residents needed.
That means we need another 40% to commit to sign up, for one year only.
If you haven’t done so yet, is there something worrying you?
If you think your current speed is fine, you are probably right, for now!! However, just think back how quickly things are changing. It wasn’t that long ago that dial up was fine, then 8 Mbps was fine, now 50Mbps is fine. But what about in 2025 when BT are switching off the analogue telephone network and you will have to use the digital lines (the same technology that WhatsApp, Microsoft teams, Zoom and Skype use). Will your current speed be enough then? When more games, films etc are using the network, will it be okay then?
For those that remember, back in the 70’s when the new gas line was being laid to Brighton (it goes just to the West of Poynings), locals were asked if they wanted to have gas to the village, for a fee. Not enough people said yes, so we have not had gas since. Will the same thing happen now? Possibly. It is unlikely that if this fails that Openreach will try again here for a long time as the grant might not be available again and it is very expensive to install.
Ultrafast Full Fibre broadband will service your needs for decades to come. As fibre optic technology evolves, you’ll already have everything that your need in your property to get the benefits – upgrade or downgrade your speed without ever needing an engineer to visit your home.
Remember, you only have to commit for one year, no one knows what the costs will be when the project is complete but even if is £10 a month more (unlikely) that is only going to cost you £120 for the year and then you can switch back. However, at a later date, you will have the option to upgrade again if required.
House prices. As you are probably aware, with more people working from home, Rightmove now put estimated broadband speeds on the sales details when selling properties. A high speed can put £1,000’s on the price of a house.
So, what are you waiting for, pledge now, at Connect my community (openreach.com) , the window will be closing soon!
Kind Regards,
Colin
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Colin Warburton
Clerk to Poynings Parish Council
