High-speed Hampshire Valleys in the pipeline
Posted on Thursday January 18 2018 by Sarah Haskew
Building work is due to start this month on a new high-speed broadband solution for villagers in the Dun and Test Valleys.
The Hampshire superfast broadband programme is rolling out services to the county, and aims to provide 97.4% of properties with access to internet speeds of at least 24Mbps by the end of 2019. However, some areas are more difficult to reach with the government funding available. That’s why Hampshire County Council is also working with businesses and communities to support alternative solutions.
Now Virgin Media is investing in the Dun and Test Valley after talking to residents’ groups to assess demand. The result is a ‘virtual town’ that will have a brand new fibre to the premise (FTTP) network – bringing ultra fast broadband direct to peoples’ homes.
The first phase will begin in the next few weeks, along the main trunk route between Andover and Romsey. This includes villages such as Goodworth Clatford, Wherwell, Chilbolton, Stockbridge, Kings Somborne, Michelmersh and Timsbury. Phase two will incorporate Houghton, Broughton, West Tytherley, Winterslow and Firsdown.
There are many properties in these areas that already have access to superfast broadband, or are due to get it as part of the wider rollout. However, there are villages or hamlets, and more often individual addresses on the outskirts of these that cannot.
In a joint statement, Virgin Media and The Chair of West Tytherley and Frenchmoor Parish Council, Cate Bell said:
“By working together, Virgin Media and the West Tytherley and Frenchmoor Parish Council have been able to garner community support to bring ultrafast broadband speeds to the area. This innovative and unique project is set to start in early 2018, with an expected completion date of 2019".
Community information events have already taken place and more of these will be happening in the coming months.
For more information about superfast broadband in Hampshire, register with Hampshire Superfast Broadband here.
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