Update on Somerset Broadband and Digital Connectivity

Key Points for Residents

• National broadband targets have been extended to 2032, aiming for 99% of homes to receive at least 30Gb connectivity. Rural delivery remains challenging due to very high installation costs for isolated properties.
• Airband, one of the contracted suppliers, has announced it is being put up for sale.
  • Any new owner will still be required to complete Airband’s outstanding work.
  • Rising costs and loss of investment have caused major delays.
  • Legal action is not considered viable as Airband is unlikely to have funds to pay damages.
• Questions were raised about unused fibre conduits installed during the A358 works. Ownership and potential use are currently unclear. Gideon Amos MP and CDS will investigate whether this infrastructure could help improve local connectivity.
• Starlink satellite broadband was discussed. It can work well for individual households, but it is not yet considered suitable for large‑scale government delivery.
• The previously discontinued 4G broadband voucher scheme may be reinstated if funding becomes available. Gideon Amos MP has offered support.
• Concerns were raised about shared pole use in some areas. Airband can share poles where technically possible, but structural constraints sometimes prevent this. Residents with specific issues can request clarification from Airband.

Communication Needs

A strong message from attendees was that communication between providers and residents must improve. Many parishes reported difficulty obtaining updates or clear explanations for delays.

Next Steps

The Parish Council will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more information becomes available, particularly regarding Airband’s future and the investigation into A358 fibre infrastructure.