Rural broadband scheme is scaled back

A plan to provide rural communities with broadband connection has been scaled back.

Connecting Devon and Somerset (CDS) had originally partnered with broadband provider Airband to provide fibre broadband connection to 55,493 premises across the region.

Airband has now decided to slow down on new build activity following a restructure and will now connect 27,171 of the intended properties.

Councillor Mike Rigby, CDS Board Member and Somerset Council Lead Member for Planning, Economic Development and Assets, said: "CDS will do everything it can to help communities get a connection as we know how vital it is for rural communities to have decent broadband."

He added: "Naturally we're disappointed that many local residents who should have been receiving access to fibre broadband will no longer benefit from these contracts."

CDS is discussing alternative options with Building Digital UK (BDUK), the government agency responsible for the rollout of Gigabit Broadband, and is urging them to open rural voucher applications in areas that Airband will no longer cover.

"We’re urging BDUK to work with us to find solutions to the communities that are missing out.” said Councillor Rufus Gilbert, CDS Board Member and Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Economic Recovery and Skills.

Airband has delivered 18,794 new connections since signing the contract with CDS in 2020.

It has committed to providing a further 8,377 connections as part of the contracts and this could lead to a further 10,997 connections for properties not included under the agreement.

"We're sorry if this news comes as a disappointment to residents who are waiting for better connectivity," said Kash Rahman, managing director at Airband.

"To date, investment from CDS has provided better broadband access to more than 325,000 homes and businesses – that’s more than any other broadband programme/partnership in the country."

The outstanding contracts with Airband are expected to be completed by June 2025.