HAYDON END

WiFi, first Phase Completed

The local Government Chronicle reports that "First phase of council's free internet plan completed", and adds:

Snow in January and logistical problems meant that the completion of the network serving the 3,500 homes in the Highworth area was delayed - and put back the roll-out across the borough.

The scheme is a join venture between the council and a commercial telecoms company, Digital City, set up with a £450,000 loan from the council.

It has been criticised locally for being in competition with private providers of broadband to Swindon’s residential areas.

Digital Switchover

For those already using a digibox or something similar, you might have noticed some problems with the quality of the digital signals this week. This is due to engineering works on the Mendip transmitter, prior to the switchover dates. (See below for problems with the Oxford transmitter)

The switchover is due to take place in two stages, on 24 Mar 2010 and 07 Apr 2010 after which, Digital UK have told me, that the signal strength will be greater than it is today.

Digital Switchover

The Digital Switchover team will be at The Brunel Shopping Centre, 29a The Plaza, SN1 1LF on 15 - 16 Jan 2010, to answer any of your questions.

Digital Cities

The implementation of the Signal WiFi at Highworth is the first part of wiring up the whole of Swindon by 2nd Quarter 2010. Signal hope to have Haydon End wired up in April next year, but do not yet have an implementation plan. Much depends on the lessons learned from the Highworth rollout.

Signal wouldn't give me any pricing plans either, as that doesn't appear to have been decided yet. We do know that Signal is offering 2 hours of free connection per day. Their hope is that users will then sign up to a paid broadband service through this WiFi network. They have promised to keep the Adver informed of developments, so if I don't hear before the Adver, read the latest there.

Read the Adver's latest article here Scheme goes live for Highworth residents

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Highworth gets wifi thanks to Signal and SBC

Despite the cold and rain, plenty of local residents took the opportunity to talk to  aQovia, the firm that has worked with Swindon Borough Council to install a Wi-Fi wireless mesh in Swindon. Tonight, aQovia or Signal as it is known, ...

[Signal in Highworth Library Dec 16th 2009] 

Broadband Woes II

According to BT, our “Primary Connection Points” (the green boxes to you and I) have now been connected to the new Haydon Wick Exchange. The problems don't seem to have gone away though.

[PCP or CAB 44 off Torun Way]

Broadband Woes I

"My main gripe is that BT hasn't told anyone what's going on. The first ...