Work is underway!
We are delighted to announce the waiting is over and work to bring superfast (fibre) broadband to Rutland as part of the Digital Rutland project is now underway.
Superfast broadband will make it possible for people to make video calls, watch TV/movies online, as well downloading music in seconds.
It will also benefit local businesses who will be much better placed to exploit new technologies.
Find out more about how superfast broadband works and the benefits at home and benefits to business of superfast broadband.
What happens now?
12 weeks of survey work is well underway and engineers will make sure Digital Rutland quickly knows exactly what infrastructure is in place.
Planning work is nearing a conclusion to determine the order in which exchanges will be upgraded. The results from the survey work will be used to work out the most efficient and cost-effective rollout programme.
Digital Rutland hopes to make the 1st announcements about which areas will get fibre broadband first during the next few weeks.
It's hoped the 1st exchanges could start being upgraded during the summer months with the majority of the 17,000 properties in Rutland having access to superfast broadband (speeds up to 80Mbps) by the end of 2013.
More 'hard to reach' properties, such as isolated farmhouses or rural premises will receive at least 2Mbps and some of this work may involve alternative technologies during early 2014.
About Digital Rutland
The majority of the 17,000 homes and businesses across Rutland will benefit from superfast fibre broadband during 2013/14, bringing speeds of up to 80Mbps.
Digital Rutland is a partnership between Rutland County Council and BT that will connect towns and villages across the county to fibre broadband.
Speeds - The majority of properties will be capable of download speeds up to 80Mbps. Even the most isolated properties will get 2-24Mbps.
Choice - You can remain with your existing broadband provider, or choose a new provider from a wide range of well-known broadband companies.
Coverage - All 10 exchanges located in Rutland will be upgraded as part of this project (Oakham as part of BT commerical rollout).
Timescales - Work has started and most areas will receive fibre broadband during 2013. More hard-to-reach areas will be early 2014.
* The villages of Lyddington, Hambleton and Essendine already have a broadband provider offering fibre based broadband, so these areas are not part of Digital Rutland plans. All other parts of the county are included. This is because Rutland County Council cannot use State aid (council or government funds) to supply a service where a commercial service exists.
