Wiltshire Broadband scheme goes out to tender

Wiltshire Council has allocated £16million to enhance broadband provision in the county and the government has chipped in with a further £4.7m. However the price of the government support is a high level of bureaucracy and increased risk with Wiltshire being expected to support Swindon and South Gloucestershire as they progress their schemes.

Confusion over contributions was generated by government civil servants who didn't realise Wiltshire and Swindon were separate councils. To save face they insisted the two authorities should proceed to a joint contract with South Glos. However the other two councils were preparing for smaller cheaper schemes than Wiltshire, so whilst having the potential to realise economies of scale their involvement could create problems with delivery resulting in WC increasing the level of risk associated with the scheme to 'Amber'.

The Wiltshire scheme would provide a minimum 2Mbps to 85% of homes and businesses. However this speed is now seen as decidedly unambitious and the fact that 15% of properties won't get it has created uncertainty amongst potential customers.

The government has created a new quango - Broadband Delivery UK or B-DUK - to oversee this and similar schemes. Working within the framework created by B-DUK should make the legal processes of letting a contract more streamlined. A list of possible bidders has been drawn up and the councils are now discussing options with potential operators. A decision on which tender to accept will be made in March and work is due to begin in September.

For a full update report see the Scrutiny Committee agenda at Agenda details page 65.