The Curious Case of the Disappearing Maps
Jul 27, 2013or Sir Humphry and the Vampire Death Squid.
Back at the beginning of this month, we were told to anticipate the imminent publication of some maps. These would provide a very rough indication of the planned location of areas which would get superfast broadband. Now, apparently, these are not going to be released.
Who or what is preventing their publication remains a mystery. The County Council has said that it is BT which is preventing publication: commercial sensitivity and the fact that the maps are only a first stab at coverage and are likely to change – are cited as reasons.
Cumbria is not the only council in this position and it created a bit of a row at the hearing of the Commons Public Accounts Committee on July 17th.
What a fascinating glimpse into the world of the Civil Service and the exercise of commercial monopoly the transcript provides! [Bedtime reading on: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201314/cmselect/cmpubacc/uc474-i/uc47401.htm ]
Perhaps the most extraordinary turn of events was when Sean Williams, BT Director of Strategy, gave evidence that BT did not object to local authorities publishing local information and that this was a matter for individual local authorities.
Not-withstanding this, at local level, it appears that BT is still blocking the publication of the maps.
So at the moment, the procedure is the one we have followed to date: registration of our Parish’s interest and getting back a Parish average SSBB coverage. This kick starts the community engagement process as the detailed roll-out takes place.
I don’t think for a moment that this is the last word on the matter as there is definitively a political head of steam building…………
Oh - and the sub title to this piece - well that's the bedtime reading. Anyone fancy drawing a cartoon? (to mike@postle.co)