Agenda item

City Fibre/SY Superfast Broadband - Natalie Ward and Julie Tattershall (Cen.26.04.2021/3)

Minutes:

Natalie Ward, City Manager, and Julie Tattershall, Projects and Contracts Manager, were welcomed to the meeting.

 

Members heard how Superfast South Yorkshire (SFSY) was a partnership between the four South Yorkshire local authorities, Building Digital UK, Openreach and the Local Enterprise Partnership.  So far SFSY had increased availability of superfast broadband from 80% to over 98% bringing nearly 120,000 new connections, with over 70,000 in regular use. In addition, support had been provided to SMEs on how to gain the benefits of connectivity, and advice relating to infrastructure had also been provided to developers and to planning departments.


Members noted the current activity being undertaken, including working with Openreach to provide fibre to the premises for 8,000 homes, inputting into digital strategies in Barnsley and the City Region, and also being consulted on digital connectivity as part of the planning process.

 

Noted was the work undertaken in the Central Area with a total of 1,623 properties now having improved connectivity.  Questions were raised in relation to the distribution of new connections, and it was noted that low numbers could be due to existing infrastructure already in place.

 

Those present heard of the work of Accelerate Digital Barnsley which included efforts to increase gigabit-capable broadband infrastructure from commercial providers such as City Fibre, to stimulate demand through voucher schemes, and to ensure all new residential and commercial sites were future proofed with gigabit capable infrastructure.

 

Members also were made aware of Internet of Things (IoT) work to utilise technology in smart ways, collecting data to be used for strategic decision making. An example of temperature sensors being used to help decide when to deploy gritters was given.

 

It was noted that officers worked with network providers to plan the installation of 5G provision over the next two years.  It was noted that liaison included supporting the planning process to ensure smooth roll out.

 

Members acknowledged the strategic linkages being made and social value opportunities created, and noted the example given of utilising technology to allow video calling in care homes.  The work to address digital exclusion was also acknowledged.

 

Those present then heard about City Fibre and their work nationally to improve connectivity to 8m premises, a task which would create a number of jobs in construction.

 

The programme of £32m of investment in Barnsley had commenced in January, 2021.  The programme would provide a model of full fibre infrastructure to allow improved internet connections that would be suitable for decades to come, allowing speeds to increase over time.  The build involved both under and over ground work which would take around three years to complete the first phase.

 

Members were made aware of the details of the build and how the infrastructure would look.  It was acknowledged that City Fibre owned infrastructure, but that the service would be provided by Internet Service Providers.

 

Members heard that work had commenced in January, and that City Fibre was working closely with the Council, engaging all stakeholders where possible, and raising awareness of the work being undertaken.

 

It was noted that the reinstatement of pavements and roadways following work would be undertaken on a like for like basis.  Should issues arise, Members were made aware of the complaints process and that a team was dedicated to Barnsley was on hand to consider defects.

 

Noted was the workflow and additional communications to ensure residents were aware of the work in the area. It was acknowledged that this had been impinged somewhat by the pandemic.  However, it was hoped that face to face discussions could be had in the coming months as restrictions were reduced.  A suggestion was made for Members to highlight any avenue of potential stakeholder engagement, through briefings, events or publications.

 

Members questioned the use of telegraph poles in the area, noting that there had been a number of complaints, including in siting, with their size, and with the smell from their treatment.  It was noted that the use of poles was part of design constraints, which could include needing to utilise existing infrastructure available, however it was suggested that communications about this could be improved.

 

Members asked what efforts were being made to improve connectivity in rural areas, and it was acknowledged that this was being considered by Central Government, who were working with operators to develop proposals to best suit rural areas.

 

RESOLVED that thanks be given for the presentations.

 

Supporting documents:

 

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