Amplifiers, regenerators, blocked ducting…. And uncertainty.
Jan 13, 2014There is still a considerable margin of uncertainty in the planning process which exists for two reasons:
Firstly, there are some interesting technologies in the final stages of testing – that’s where the amplifiers and regenerators come in – and these could make a significant (positive) difference to the sort of connectivity that the more isolated properties in the Parish end up with. BT wants to make sure that the technology is a match for the Cumbrian weather before deploying these bits of kit: we are looking at 2015 before it will be ready.
Secondly the desk based planning is only getting them so far: the exact position and condition of things like ducting, through which fibre can be blown, is often not apparent until a detailed survey has been undertaken or the job underway.
Whilst on the subject of the technology, we learnt that the design of the system in rural areas uses miniature cabinets; so it may be that an existing cabinet near to you will not be used – but you’ll still get superfast broadband (SFBB).
It’s also possible to bring SFBB to an area without necessarily upgrading the local exchange – although we know that Newby Bridge and probably Greenodd exchanges will act as branching points for a ring of fibre which is currently being constructed right round the County.