Northern Fells Broadband - Frequently Asked Questions
What is superfast broadband?
Superfast Broadband is a communications technology that allows people to receive high speed information to their homes. It will work through a computer or a television and offers the ability to receive telephone calls. Speeds of service can vary but we are looking to access between 50mb and 100 mb for residents in the Northern Fells parishes.
What’s up with what we have now?
At the moment, most homes in rural Cumbria can only get speeds of between 0.25 and 2 mb with a lucky few being able to access 5mb. These speeds are fine for basic tasks, such as email, but will not cope with multiple users or live video and TV feeds, and will not be able to cope with all the new services being developed.
How will high speed communications be delivered in Cumbria?
There are a number of ways in which high speed broadband can be delivered in a rural area, depending on the geography and location of houses; they include wireless, fibre optic cable (underground or possibly via electricity supply cables), and even satellite communications. We are discussing all options with the various suppliers.
What will it cost?
At present we haven’t any prices because no decisions have been made as to which supplier can meet the needs of our community. However an example from one supplier suggests a solution in the region of between £100 and £150 connection charge and then a monthly charge of approximately £25 - £30.
What about my telephone?
It is possible to use high speed broadband to make and receive telephone calls and there are a number of companies offering this service. It is also possible to maintain your current phone number when using these options. At this time, the most well known option is Skype and another is example is Vonage. For more information go to the: Vonage Web site
What if I don’t have a computer?
Even if you don’t have a computer, high speed broadband will allow you to use a television to access the internet; you will be able to watch high definition TV, download programs from BBC I player, for instance, and access a host of other services currently being developed and trialled. These services may include home based medical consultations which are now being piloted in Scotland.
Can I register my interest if I live outside the 7 Northern Fells Parishes?
The standard screen is for residents of the 7 parishes. If you would like to e-mail your contact details to our secretary, together with how far you reside outside one of the 7 parishes, we will keep them on file for consideration once a solution has been identified.