Updates
A final thank you to all those who contributed to the Swindon Nine Elms fibre build which went live on 30th March 2019. This was within the 12 month Openreach contract target, despite a five month power delay due to the 'wrong size power ducting install' first install by SSE contractors. I hope the service details I direct emailed to you all back in March this year were helpful and you are now benefiting from at (or near) 80/20 Mbit service from your chosen vendor as I and several neighbours are. Regards Chris Maynard
Hi All, Since my last direct mailed update that all but power feed work was complete, we have been awaiting and waiting and waiting for a new power feed install date. This is because the original power duct work installed was, well, unworkable. Re-work marking in part shown was done in early January. My feedback on their new date to Openreach is below: Judith, Thank you for your call I will now update the project contributors with your next forecast power connect date of 19 March 2019. While I know that you have a little wriggle room to manoeuvre as our contract date is 24 April 2018 it still really doesn’t excuse the fact that this second attempt for power connect is exactly five months after the failed one which was on 19 Oct 2018 ! You say this is the contractor issue but allowing it to float that long does nothing to improve the reputation of Openreach as the project owner and planner. I was expecting better. Regards Chris
Yesterday afternoon I signed our fibre upgrade contract which enables work to commence. Also yesterday, I received the BT/Openreach invoice which I have paid in full £1171. This is because BT use the full cost of £4684 to calculate the first 50% due before applying the 75% BT school grant. Since our community contribution is less than £2342 this results in one single initial payment, so no further payment due. Please drop me an email if you would like a copy of the contract, which is in Adobe PDF format. I will send further updates as I receive information. Than you all for your support. Regards Chris Maynard
WE MADE IT ! Many thanks to everyone for supporting the Nine Elms fibre upgrade with your pledges. Next phase (as per GoCardless emails) is pledge payment collection 19-20 April , then funds receipt 23-24 April. Assuming no collection issues I expect to sign off the Openreach contract on 25th April. I will of course keep you updated but please let me know if you have any questions Regards Chris Maynard
Brilliant news, thanks everyone!
A big thank you to everyone for your pledges and your foresight in supporting this upgrade. Brook Field Primary have been supportive so please watch this space when the school reopens on Monday 16th April. As of now we need about 10 more at the average of £40 so please chat with your neighbours as they will all benefit, even if they don't know it yet. Regards Chris Maynard
