The Plan
What is the plan?
We plan to offer FTTP (Fibre To The Premises) to all properties in the Michaelston-y-Fedw area. This will deliver an internet speed of 1Gbps. This currently is the fastest broadband in Wales and one of the fastest in the UK. Generally the highest broadband speed being delivered by commercial suppliers is up to 250 Mbs.
Typically, superfast broadband is provided with FTTC (Fibre To The Cabinet) with the final leg from the cabinet to your property on copper cable which slows down the connection to maximum speeds of up to 70Mb but only people within a few yards of the cabinet actually see that sort of speed. The average speed of internet around Michaelston-Y-Fedw is 4 Mbs.
How much will it cost?
The plan is to connect every property free of charge, with the first years’ service provided free of charge as well, (if you signed up before 30th April 2018). Thereafter a monthly charge of £30 will apply for each connection.
All monthly payments will be collected by Direct Debit (usual guarantees apply) via GoCardless
No other payment method is available.
You will be contacted by email from GoCardless after going live on the service with details of how to sign up.
How can it be installed for free?
Of course, nothing is free! There will be a cost to Michaelston y Fedw Internet CIC for the work involved in bringing fibre to The Hub, running it around the village and to residents properties, providing routers etc. This will be partially covered by grants from The Welsh Government which is providing £800 per residential property connected. The tasks and activities that can be carried out by volunteers in the community will make huge cost savings which will enable the project to be achieved without having to ask for any further payments from residents. This has to be the most cost-effective, and lowest price for a 1Gbs FTTP broadband connection ever.
Will I need to do anything?
Each resident is responsible for digging a shallow trench from the boundary of their property to the external wall where the fibre will enter their property, 7 mm ducting is supplied by us to lay in the trench for this exercise. We know that not everyone will have the muscle to do this and we will offer support where it is needed if this is an issue. We have a team of router installers who will ensure the correct fitting of the router and completion of the connection inside the property. With each resident supporting the Broadband Project in this way, it ensures that no additional cost is incurred by Michaelston y Fedw Internet CIC, and helps to keep costs to a minimum.
How long will it take?
So far progress has been swift. It is possible we could connect our first customers mid May 2018 and we hope to complete the project by Autumn 2018. This is of course on the basis that we have the fibre connection installed by Openreach which we are dependant upon.
How do I sign up?
After the deadline of April 30th 2018, any new connections can be applied for using the "Register Your Interest Form" below. New connections may incur installation costs and billing once connections are completed.